For the record, I was joking! I would not allow a parent to stay that long if it were causing problems, fingerprinting or not. And I am incredibly liberal with such things.

I have parents that hang out and chat for 10-15 mins every day, but it does not cause any problems. The couple of times it has caused an issue, I quickly explained to the parent (by phone after hours) exactly what the problem was and where we were headed if they kept up. It was fixed the next day.

"When you stretch out the goodbyes, you are upsetting your child, and making his day harder. Your child will need you to stay longer and longer, and I cannot allow that type of disruption to continue. It isn't fair to your child, or the other children I need to attend to.

I need you to say goodbye in 30 secs at the door and leave without further ado. As your child becomes used to this drop off, you can stay a minute or two as they settle in if you feel the need, but no longer. Thank you for making your child's day easier."

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