Sadly, I know what I need to do but I am so conflicted over this. Really it is about the child . . . I am fortunate that my day care is full and I have two sets of parents waiting for spots so losing their business is not really a concern. The problem is I must come to terms with the fact that I am certain they will choose to move DCB to a center. Money is not an issue for them. They have always treated me well personally and financially. I have never had an issue with them paying and they themselves choose to pay the first of every month (I do not require this of anyone -weekly pay is my norm). On holidays and even my birthday they always give cash and it is usually at least one week pay ( with a heartfelt note which I really do believe is genuine). This is some of the reason I did not hesitate to accommodate them when they made this request to change scheduling. I have to add that I really do think that they are just clueless and the "new breed" of parent. In general, I think that they think they are doing the best and everything that they should be doing. The child is very well groomed, well dressed and they take care to provide very nutritious lunches and snacks (I wish I could say the same for the rest of my parents.). They seem to use their weekends for family time and seem to cherish their son when they are actually with him. Additionally, they are always asking me if the daycare needs anything, offering me toys, swings, pack and plays etc. and are the first ones to bring cupcakes if we are celebrating something or sometimes "just because". They actually considered a Nanny at one point and were very open discussing it with me, but ultimately decided that this was not a good move as DCB would be isolated and they know he is social, loves me and all his daycare buddies. Finally, not only do they live a comfortable mid-upper class two income lifestyle but the husband also comes from a lot of family money. Rumor has it is he is a trust fundy, they have no mortgage on an 800,000 home and that she chooses to work since she gets very depressed being stuck at home. I know that they are a comfortable type of person and that personal time is a must for them. Sorry for the lengthy posts but I am trying to convey why this is so horribly difficult. So there you have it, the only thing they do not have is another baby and that is in the works as I write. They will have no issue buying the extra time but I do have an issue with them not spending it with DCB and I will not be able to stand it. It will eat at me and slowly break down the relationship. Do I just suck it up and deal (with extra pay) or risk them taking DCB to a center if I am honest with my feelings about keeping a child 12 hours per day and(soon to be) policy regarding care during working hours (they are the first parents that I have had to deal with long hours with)? I think they would not mind the center atmosphere as long as they got the scheduling they wanted . . . Like I said before, "oblivious" is a good way to describe them. As long as things are no muss, no fuss, they smile, are thankful and don't make waves. What would you do?

By the way, in the past I did ask the DC Mom why Dad drops off in the morning and she shared with me that she has a very hard time attending to her son, while getting ready (showering, doing her hair) and she is required to pick up calls on her mobile early morning if need be.

I think reality is that their style of parenting is acceptable, like Nannyde said. I had no idea what I was in for when I went into this business, let me tell you! Never in a million years did I think a parent with a child in daycare wouldn't be speeding their way to pick him up so that they could get every precious moment with them. I thought the kids were going to be my problem lol!

One more thing: the nine hour thing - is that a general rule of thumb regarding in home daycares? Is it legal in Marykand to have your child in daycare for this long length?

Thank you all again.

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