Torn Between DH And Feeling Obligated To Open....

[Soccermom]

So DH mentionned to me yesterday that he is taking the 27 and 28th of December off so we can all have some family time after Christmas. I replied that it wouldn't be much of a family time with DCKS around and he told me that I should close for those 2 days.
I know I should...I have been feeling really burned out lately and with all the issues that we have dealt with since September regarding stealing and toy breaking I think my own kids could really use a break too in order to enjoy their new stuff.
The thing is..when my new DCF started in September, they asked if I was available to take the children on No school days including Christmas Break and March Break and I said yes....
Now I feel like taking the whole week of Christmas off (I have already told everyone I am closing Christmas Eve) makes me a huge liar.
There is only 2 out of 4 DCFS that need me during Christmas Break and they only pay when their DCKS come so they aren't paying me for the vacation days nor will they pay me for the Holidays but I just feel so bad about going back on my word. Plus I have a feeling that only 1 DCF will actually end up needing me for the 27th and 28th of December since the other DCF has a super nice boss and last Christmas as a gift, she gave them some time off after the Holiday.
WWYD?

[MyAngels]

I'd close and I wouldn't think twice about it. You'll be giving them plenty of notice to find alternate care.

Family comes first IMHO.

[MarinaVanessa]

Well I would first explain this to hubby and let him know that it can be a great possibility that this family will term once you tell them that you will in fact be closing after you told them you wouldn't. Let him know that one of the reasons they signed up with you was because you wouldn't be closed those days so you need to tell them asap so that they can find alternative care for those days that you will be closed and to possibly expect their termination notice.

If he is ok with the possibility of losing that income then you can sit with DCM and tell her the truth. That when you interviewed with her you couldn't possibly have anticipated that you would be closed that week but unfortunately you will close. You can offer numbers to another provider that will take them temporarily for that one week and just be sincere about your apology. They might not leave but I know that I would feel exasperated as a parent if I discussed this with my potential provider and was assured that I would have childcare and then suddenly I found out from my new provider that I didn't have daycare for a time period that I specifically discussed and now had to take my kids to another provider that I did not know. Just the thoughts that would go through my own head.

[Cat Herder]

"WWYD?"

I guess the answer would depend on what kind of notice you require from your parents for unpaid vacations. (IMHO, because they will have to find other care and pay)

If 30 days, then you should be fine.

I give mine a year in advance, so would tell DH he can plan something fun with the kids during those two days... I would join them after work. I am type A like that, though.

You could also give them a Nov. 19th deadline to have their Christmas week schedule in, or they can't come at all. That will give you a better picture of what you will be losing BEFORE you make your decision?

[daycarediva]

My dh is self employed as well, but his schedule is FAR more flexible than mine is and he sees the kids and I ALL the time. The extra two days wouldn't be a HUGE deal for me to 'miss'. If that isn't your situation and you would really miss/want this time, then I would close. I don't think any potential loss of income (if only one family comes then you aren't making a ton, kwim?) is worth losing out on quality family time.

I would just tell dcp's that your dh has unexpected time off, and that there isn't as much demand for that day as you had previously anticipated and you have decided to close, & that you appreciate their understanding.

[MN Mom]

I wouldn't feel bad about closing. If you are burnt out like I am...then you deserve a break. I decided to close @ 4:30 on Friday the 21st and will be closed until Wednesday the 2nd. My kids have that entire time off of school, and as they are all older, they expressed to me the want / need to have that time with just mom and dad and not have DCK's messing with their Christmas goodies. I made a calendar and pasted it to my door, as well as gave copies to those that wanted them. It really only affects one family that I have FT...the rest are just drop-in basis (but tend to literally drop in with no notice) which is why I decided to go the 1 month notice/calendar route.

[shelby]

I'd close! your hubby and family need time together too. Tell your parents that will need you that you will be closed..

[cheerfuldom]

I would close. you NEED some family time and you need to start making decisions based on your family and not on the daycare families. I would imagine that how you make decisions is a big part of you burning out. Things change and I would just tell the parents that a family issue has come up and that you will be closed and thats that. They will be fine. If you lose a family over two days care, well I would imagine they would have walked out at some point soon anyway. You cant keep walking on egg shells around these families. They arent paying for the days anyway and your family always should come first.

[youretooloud]

I take the full week of Christmas off, and I don't feel at all bad.

I got tired of having kids on the day after Christmas, and the kids were tired, miserable and sad to leave their new toys. I felt like a bad guy because kids blame you for making them come to daycare when they should be at home.

[littlemissmuffet]

So DH mentionned to me yesterday that he is taking the 27 and 28th of December off so we can all have some family time after Christmas. I replied that it wouldn't be much of a family time with DCKS around and he told me that I should close for those 2 days.
I know I should...I have been feeling really burned out lately and with all the issues that we have dealt with since September regarding stealing and toy breaking I think my own kids could really use a break too in order to enjoy their new stuff.
The thing is..when my new DCF started in September, they asked if I was available to take the children on No school days including Christmas Break and March Break and I said yes....
Now I feel like taking the whole week of Christmas off (I have already told everyone I am closing Christmas Eve) makes me a huge liar.
There is only 2 out of 4 DCFS that need me during Christmas Break and they only pay when their DCKS come so they aren't paying me for the vacation days nor will they pay me for the Holidays but I just feel so bad about going back on my word. Plus I have a feeling that only 1 DCF will actually end up needing me for the 27th and 28th of December since the other DCF has a super nice boss and last Christmas as a gift, she gave them some time off after the Holiday.
WWYD?

I'd close and I wouldn't give it another thought. My family comes before daycare families!

[crazydaycarelady]

Just tell them that plans changed and you are closed. It is not worth it to be open if you'll only have half of your kids. Plus it shouldn't be hard for them to find care with schools/colleges closed and family taking off for the holiday.