Term Notice, Mom Not Happy

[Play Care]

I gave my SA dcb's clients their notice that I will only be able to provide care through the summer due to another client having a baby (I lose a spot taking an infant) Mom was obviously upset. She asked why it had to be her kids. I didn't want to go into detail in front of the kids, but did say "My hands are tied, I only have so many spots." The truth is, I have 2 SA spots and 4 SA kids - two of those SA kids have younger siblings in the day care. But also, her two are the oldest in care - and I've maintained for years I am NOT a SA provider - after second grade, they outgrow my care. Her older son is going in to 4th grade and her younger is going into 2nd...
I mean, really, who else does she want me to let go? The other boy who will have two younger sibs in day care? Or the other boy with one younger sib in day care?

Should I call her to talk to her some more? WWYD?

[grandmom]

You could explain what you just said here and that might help her understand.

But be prepared for her to leave ahead of time. She's hurt and may want to get back at you.

[sharlan]

I wouldn't have said anything until the middle of summer. You never know what is going to happen from day to day.

[Unregistered]

I have a 4th grade SA boy this year and I don't think I want to continue SA care next year. Basically he takes up a full spot and is only here 2.5hrs a day at less than $100/wk vs $180-225/wk for a younger child. My own child the same age doesn't take up a spot at all.

[Play Care]

I wouldn't have said anything until the middle of summer. You never know what is going to happen from day to day.

Honestly, if they leave so be it. But spots are hard to get in our town and I wanted her to be able to get in somewhere. She is also my neighbor (yeah I took her on before I learned the hard truth about that:: ) but what's more I do like the family and want to keep good relations.
I already watch the new infants two older sibs (ones off the k in the fall) so this isn't a "new" family whee they might decide to stay home, etc.

[cheerfuldom]

Because she is your neighbor, I might try one more brief conversation about it

"Amanda I wanted to clarify why I can't take care of your boys anymore. They are wonderful kids and I really enjoy being a part of their lives but my spaces are limited and I have a focus on infants thru preschool age. Part of my decision was that both your boys are getting up to the age where what I can provide is not a good fit for them with age appropriate activities. I wanted to give you months of notice so you have the time to find a program that caters better to older school agers. It is really nothing personal at all and I hope you can understand that as a business owner, I have to make some hard choices. I know you are upset but I did want to make sure you knew that it was nothing you or your kids did wrong. It just came down to a business decision"

[Play Care]

Because she is your neighbor, I might try one more brief conversation about it

"Amanda I wanted to clarify why I can't take care of your boys anymore. They are wonderful kids and I really enjoy being a part of their lives but my spaces are limited and I have a focus on infants thru preschool age. Part of my decision was that both your boys are getting up to the age where what I can provide is not a good fit for them with age appropriate activities. I wanted to give you months of notice so you have the time to find a program that caters better to older school agers. It is really nothing personal at all and I hope you can understand that as a business owner, I have to make some hard choices. I know you are upset but I did want to make sure you knew that it was nothing you or your kids did wrong. It just came down to a business decision"

Thank you! I modified this a bit but it's done. And she seems okay now. She's already lined up a nanny for the Fall.