Decisions, Decisions......

[AmyLeigh]

I received a call today from a friend needing childcare for her 2 yo boy immediately. I'm not sure what to do.
I was looking forward to 2 dcb's going to school in the fall. One will most likely go to the free afterschool program, while the other will come here after school. That would leave me with my own 3, one full time toddler (who is not here on Tuesdays), and 2 part-time SA'ers. Now, if I take on this new child, I will have 2 toddlers, 2 preschoolers, and one SA'er. It will be totally nuts here for the next 3-6 months. It will obviously calm down in the fall and I will be able to focus better on my own children.
The money side is hard to ignore, too. If I take this boy, I will definitely be able to pay off my car loan, which is my last debt other than the house. Dh will be earning more money this summer too, so I don't technically even need more income.
Oh, and I will have to get the fourth row seat for my Excursion in order to transport everyone on field trips, outings, etc. My 2 older children will be taking swim lessons this summer and dd has a dance recital in June, so there will be rehearsals. My parents are in town and can help sometimes, but I don't want to burden them.
Are there any other factors I am missing?

[daycare]

the first thing that caught my eye on this was that it's a friends child..

My advice to you is to NEVER do business with friends or family...

[SunshineMama]

the first thing that caught my eye on this was that it's a friends child..

My advice to you is to NEVER do business with friends or family...

I agree. Be prepared to lose a friendship is your friend doesn't pay on time, disagress with something you do, drops off early, picks up late, etc. It might go okay, but if it doesn't it could be all over. People are very particular about their children, and you might be surprised how quickly a friendship can change over what may seem like nothing.

[AmyLeigh]

I agree. Be prepared to lose a friendship is your friend doesn't pay on time, disagress with something you do, drops off early, picks up late, etc. It might go okay, but if it doesn't it could be all over. People are very particular about their children, and you might be surprised how quickly a friendship can change over what may seem like nothing.

I understand, but all of my dcf's are friends. Long time friends. We knew each other before we had children. That is the reason they come to me. There haven't been any major issues in over a year now. Nobody wants to ruin our friendship nor our professional relationship. Actually, I think I have more freedom because of the friendships. All they care is their child comes back to them alive. :: I treat their children as I do my own and they know that.

[Blackcat31]

I would base my descision on whether or not the friend's child is a "good" kid or not.

If he is a PITA kid, then you are difinitely taking on a lot more but if he is a really good natured kid and easy to care for then I would totally jump at the chance to pay off my car earlier than expected.

[wdmmom]

Sounds like too many red flags for my liking.

From the way I read it:

FRIENDS - Strike 1.
TRANSPORTING - Strike 2.
YOU really don't sound like you want to and that you would be stressed - Strike 3.

If she is a friend, she will understand that you are at your desired capacity.