New Baby Start Date

[Unregistered]

I have a parent that wants to start new baby (sibling of a child I already have in my care), 2 weeks before Christmas which is also 2 weeks before I am closed for a week.
Doesn't it make more sense to start them after the 1st of the year? Plus such a hectic time and working up to my already overdue vacation week!

What would you do or say? Don't want to sound rude...

[Hunni Bee]

I have a parent that wants to start new baby (sibling of a child I already have in my care), 2 weeks before Christmas which is also 2 weeks before I am closed for a week.
Doesn't it make more sense to start them after the 1st of the year? Plus such a hectic time and working up to my already overdue vacation week!

What would you do or say? Don't want to sound rude...

If you are worrying about the child not adjusting after coming two weeks and then being home for one, then I'd have them wait. Other than that, I dont see what harm it could do, especially if the parents are already aware you will be closed that week.

Unless you just really dont want them to start until after the first, in which case I'd just say "you know, Karen, I really think it would be best for Aiden to start after the first of the year, so that he won't have to go through the transition from home to daycare twice."

[Unregistered]

It is really to make it easier for me. Not to be rude or anything, but I have 6 kids here now and you know how crazy the holidays are anyways! Just really don't want to add that to the mix at that time. Don't want to be completely worn to a frizzle for my vacation! Was hoping the baby would wait a week or 2, but came into the world a little earlier!

[cheerfuldom]

I would ask that the parents wait, especially considering that this is an early baby. He could probably use as much time with mom as possible. If they really HAVE to go to work and have no other option, I would take him just so there is not a huge issue over one weeks worth of care.

[itlw8]

If she needs to go back to work then she needs to start the baby. If you can't take the baby then let her know so she can look for new childcare now

[canadiancare]

Is she asking for that start date to go to work or to do Christmas errands? I would assume she needs you and that is why she is asking to start. I have taken kids with just a few weeks before my vacation starts and it actually works out fairly well. I understand you are tired and frenzied working up to the holidays but unless she can easily make alternate arrangements I don't see how it would be reasonable to ask her to put off going back to work.