Filling Last Spot/Who Would You Pick?

[MCC]

I'm really struggling with this, and you all are much more experienced/knowledgeable, so I'm hoping for some advice.

I can have 6 total (includes my own), and 4 can be under 2. Currently I have

2.5 girl (mine)
2.5 girl
15 month girl
4 month boy
4 month old holding a spot for October girl

I have 2 families wanting my final spot. One is a 2 year old girl who would be part time, and has never been in daycare or with out her mom.ever. Her age is better for me, but I am terrified of the never been in daycare part. She had a meltdown during the interview when I asked her to come into the other room with me. Big red flag.

Second family is sister of 4 month old holding spot, and they want their kids in the same daycare (cousins). It would be 8 weeks old, and they want to hold the spot until Dec, at full payment.

I am super concerned about both of these. I don't really want 3 under 1 as we do have to go up steps to get outside, and that worries me. I also really don't know if I have the patience to help this 2 year old adjust.

Which family would you pick? Any advice on how to help the 2 year old wiggle in smoothly?

Thanks so much in advance!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I'd always choose a full-time family over a part-time family for financial reasons.

I've had many children be in care here who initially had separation anxiety. That's a response I like. I like that they have a secure attachment to their parent. It quickly subsides, though, and they are just fine after that initial adjustment period. A consistent drop-off routine is especially helpful. Deviating from that will delay the adjustment period a bit.

[cheerfuldom]

I would go with the full time relative. you will have several little ones but they wont all be teeny tiny. that one that is 4 months now will be 9 months or older by the time the third baby comes in. 9 months most likely will be sitting and crawling and beginning self feeding/able to hold a bottle.....heck they may even be pulling up and getting much more independent.

[juliebug]

Infant, ft trumps pt kid ad I have 4 2yrold the are started within a few months but I love it

[MCC]

Thanks everyone! That's kind of where my gut feeling was as well. They seem really down to earth, and having them pay full rate for the next 4 months without adding extra work seems pretty awesome.

[Razzledbrat]

Take the infant! LOL From my own personal experience.....a child that has never left momma and has melt downs from separation anxiety will neverrrr adjust! Especially at a "part time" rate. I have one!!! Im his first sitter. He comes monday, tues and wed. Monday and tues, he cries, screams allll day! Wednesday hes much better! But then hes gone for 4 days so we start all over again on Monday. Its terrible I feel sorry for the little guy but he is starting to affect all the other kids. Hes been here a few months Now mom and dad are going thru a custody issue with him, dad has never been around so the baby doesnt know him either.....well the judge just gave dad visitation til they get thru court. So the baby is miserable the entire weekend with dad so when he gets back to me on Monday, I want to pull my hair out Ive considered telling mom its just not working but I just cant bring myself to do it while they are in this custody battle and I dont want to send the baby to another stranger. Sigh. I recently had a baby leave so I offered mom "full time" She is thinking about it. She wanted full time in the beginning but I only had 3 available days. I think it would help if he was here everyday. Sorry for rambling! Good Luck!