When I was a child minder I was sometimes asked to look after siblings, which I happily would, provided I had the spaces, plus I was frequently asked by such parents to give a sibling discount.
Although, I did apricate that it was expensive for parents to send 2 children to me at the same time, it also meant that as they would be using 2 of my spaces ( I was registered for 3 children under the age of 5) this would mean that I would be ‘out of pocket’.
Nurseries and other day care settings, may be able to offer a sibling discount, simply because they are larger and registered to take more children .
What did work well for me and some parents was when a family were expecting another baby; if the older child was going to be leaving me to move on to pre-school or school, the new arrival could automatically take over that place in my setting.
I recall one family who had a daughter who came to me most days, then when she started school her younger brother took her space and they would both come during the school holidays: During one school break were her school broke up later than some of the other local schools, her brother told her that another child that I had during the holidays had been at my house with him.
Their mother told me the following day that world war 3 had nearly started in their home when her daughter learned that another school age child had been with me when she hadn’t ( but her brother had!).
If you are a parent with more than one child who need to use the services of a child minder, don’t be annoyed if you don’t get offered a sibling discount. We are all trying to make a living.
As always questions, comments and topic suggestions/requests are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
People who care for children are easily the most under paid and under appreciated members of the economic society.
I totally agree with you, Michele however, looking back, I loved being a child minder, so much, I would have done it for free!
Seems an awfully bold thing to just come out and ask for. I can see hoping for that discount or shopping around to try and find one but I can’t imagine just asking somebody that is providing me a service as their way of making a living to charge me less #KCACOLs
Most of the parents that I minded for, were understanding about why I wouldn’t give a sibling discount, but they are always a few that expected it, Jeremy, thanks for sharing your thoughts
Totally get your point of view. X #kcscols
Thank you, Sam
That’s the trouble when parents compare a small child minder setting to a larger childcare setting, when you only have 3 places they all need to be fully paid. I wouldn’t expect a sibling discount from a small setting. It’s a nice compromise to prioritise available places for siblings though. Thank you so much for linking up with #KCACOLS
Katrina x
That’s good to hear, Katrina, thanks for sharing
Absolutely Karen. I think sometimes it’s easily forgotten that in a smaller setting, every place counts in terms of costs. We’ve always felt like a good childminder is worth their weight in gold and wouldn’t think of asking for a sibling discount – unless it was very specifically offered. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories
Thanks for agreeing with me, Annette and once again for having me as part of the linky
I think it would be reasonable to have a small discount but not if food, extra pick ups and activities are required which they usually are! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Laura
Aside from the space and legality, people really should appreciate that looking after siblings is obviously far more challenging than just a single child. Child minding is a tough job and I would never dream of asking for discounts!
#KCACOLS
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Steve, yes child minding can be a tough job, but I loved every minute
I think it’s fair as you say to charge the same price for a sibling, as they take up a space which you should be able to charge the full cost for. I can’t really see any reason why it should be cheaper for the sibling. Thanks so much for linking up with #KCACOLS x
Thanks for agreeing with me, Malin