I agree with the others. If you want to continue to provide care for this family and be treated with respect, you will need to address the problems. If you find it too difficult to deal with it head-on, this time of year is one of the best times to introduce a Parent Handbook and contract that outlines the policies you want everyone to follow. Just be prepared to enforce them because you'll probably have to with this family - old habits die hard.

If you want to stop providing care for this family and can't bring yourself to tell them, just tell them you don't have an opening any time they call looking for care. They'll eventually get the hint and move on. If you're worried about your mutual friends' reactions, I would try to keep in mind that if they are true friends, they wouldn't want to see you being taken advantage of by anyone, much less someone they referred to you. Good luck.

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