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For those daycare providers with a home daycare, when did you tell your daycare parents that you were pregnant?
We're expecting (just over 3 months). The thing is, I live in Canada and will be taking a full year off for maternity leave so the kids have to go elsewhere. Then, when I get back into daycare, I will be doing just before and after school, so it will be different altogether.

I don't want to tell the parents too early, for fear that they will panic and leave WAY before they need to ( my last day will be like April 15th). I know they will all phase out when they find another daycare they are pleased with and I'm ok with that. I can't go off (with pay anyways) until mid January so as long as they all leave after mid January I'm okay. The longer they stay though the better for me financially.

I was hoping to wait until after our Christmas break to tell them, but I'm starting to show so won't be able to hide it for too long.

Do you think if I tell them soon, they will leave before mid January? I've never been in this position before so don't know what to do/expect.

Any advice is appreciated!

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I told my daycare parents as soon as I knew, we were about 5 weeks along. But, my families all knew we were trying for quite awhile. Also, I'm only closing for two weeks... so my families will all be returning - though, in September, I will likely be switching to strictly before/after school care as well.

I think in your case, in order to not lose families/income too soon, I would wait as long as possible to inform them (after xmas break for sure if you need income into January). Even if you are showing. If someone brings it up, just let them know that you that you will be making an announcement soon and leave it at that.

I am in Canada too, and where I am, unless I pay into the optional IE benefits for one full year before needing to apply for them I am not entitled to any paid maternity leave. I was under the impression it was like that across Canada. Did you pay into the optional benefits or does it work differently where you are?

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I told my parents when I was 7 weeks along. I will be taking 6-8 weeks off depending on how delivery goes.

I'd tell them as soon as you feel comfortable since finding daycare may be hard to do.

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I'm in Canada and due on May 5th 2013, what's your EDD?

I told my daycare parents after I had my 12 week ultrasound. I knew I was risking them leaving early, but I'll be taking personal days for appointments, so I wanted them to know why. After I told all the families, I sent a follow-up email with my upcoming appointments, and my last day of care. (March 22nd because I need some time off before the baby comes).

I think telling them at the beginning of January gives them enough time to find alternate care, if you can hid it that long. Baggy sweaters? Lol. I know it's tough, I'm already showing.

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I don't see any problem with waiting until at least after Christmas. Do you have any parents that would flat out ask if they start to notice? Most people are far less observant than you'd think - when I was pregnant, there were a few people that saw me all the time that didn't realize I was pregnant until I was over six months along, and I started showing very early. I was constantly surprised.

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I told my parents at about 12 weeks. It was hard to wait because this is my first child. I felt like I was showing at 15 weeks, but obviously looking at photos I really just popped out at 22 weeks their was no doubt I was pregnant then. I'm due in February, but I don't get a "maternity" leave like it seems everyone gets a year in Canada that is standard. Do home daycare providers who take maternity leave in Canada get a whole year with some income through a program or insurance or something???

I am only closing for 3 days unpaid. I do have an employee who started a few months ago once I found out I was pregnant so she will work 8-close everyday and I will still have to open from 7:15-8am everyday until she gets here. I wish I had a few weeks off, but I'm sure if I did I wouldn't want to open again! LOL

I wish you luck! I would rather tell sooner than later and keep parent's respect and trust.

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I feel like I start showing as soon as I pee on a stick. I'm slender, short, and I've had 3 pregnancies. Hiding a pregnancy? Not me.
In reality, though, the early bloating could be taken as bloating or extra weight gain (too many cookies, maybe?). Many people never noticed with my last pregnancy. I'm sure people will dismiss any small signs they see about you as well.

Since I tend to carry close to the end of the 1st trimester and then miscarry, I hold off as long as possible. I would say something after about 15+ weeks but I have never made it that far.

Since you're wanting to keep them until AT LEAST mid-January, don't tell them until January. They'll be fine.

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wait as long as possible. luckily the weather has turned so you can wear sweaters and whatnot and should be fine for awhile still.

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I told the parents at 12 weeks, and let them know the due date. I have not had anyone leave me for it

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Yep. Hubby and I knew we were going to try so I looked into EI as a self employed person. The max ill pay in is just over $800 for the year and ill make 55% of my net income each month ( so about $800 or so a month). My hubby makes decent money so this will just give us that reassurance for me to be off for the full year.

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We're so close!! May 2nd here!
Yeah I'm trying the Baggie sweater thing lol

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I told mine when I was oh... 17 weeks? I WAS showing, but it was a high risk pregnancy and I was at risk for losing the baby at any moment. Thank God I didn't! One parent was hurt I didn't tell her sooner but she got over quickly when I explained my reasoning. I ended up closing around 26 weeks when I went on bed rest but everyone came back when I was released after my c-section (had her at 36.5 weeks). I'm sure waiting until January will be just fine!

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Good for you, girl! We were going to do the same, as we've been planning for some time... but instead decided I would just take two weeks off and hubby would take parental leave so we can both be home

I think it's awesome you will get a full year! And to start back with a B/A program will be great. My little one will be about 6 months when I switch to B/A.

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Cool How does it feel to be out of the 1st trimester? I am feeling so much better this week. I had been feeling like crap everyday since about Week 6.

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