Oh, Sweetie... you're so kind-hearted to want to help, but please don't discount your rates or start earlier than you normally do!

Think about it this way: If you would charge her a total of $305 a week normally, but want to discount it to $250 a week, you are LOSING $2,860 per year!! ($55 X 52 wks) Can you really afford to do that? You won't be giving them less care, so why charge less? In fact when you think about it, you'll be doing MORE for them over and above the other families, because from 5:30 to 7:00, they will be the only ones there.

You have to do what you're comfortable with, but my 18 years of experience is begging you not to discount your service, or compromise your set hours. You'll end up regretting it and resenting the family because of it. Everytime the mom comes in with a new manicure, clothes, handbag, etc., or the kids show up in what you know to be expensive clothes, you'll steam over your decision to discount.

Best of luck. Let us know how it turns out.

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