Sibling discounts how do you day no to parents?
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  1. #1
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    Default Sibling discounts how do you day no to parents?

    Hi,

    I am just interested in how you all word sorry no I don't offer sibling discounts to potential parents?

    This is the first time I will be potential having siblings (twins 13 months), i only work with under 5's they want 1 day a week just under 10 hours a day.

    Thanks in advance xxx

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    Have they actually asked for sibling discount?
    I'd simply say 'no, I do not offer a sibling discount'. No further explanation is needed as it is not negotiable or up for discussion (well, not here anyway!)

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    I also just say "Sorry, I don't do sibling discount". It's always worth them asking but if they are honest part of them will be expecting you to say no.

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    I would say that as it's only one day a space and they are taking up 2 spaces preventing you from taking on a full time child that they are lucky you aren't charging them extra instead of wanting to pay less - I only give sibling discount if I start looking after a sibling baby that takes me to 4 children under COC as they aren't taking up a space.

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    I dont offer less than 100% care to the sibllng , therefore i dont charge less than 100% of my fee.

  8. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by hectors house View Post
    I only give sibling discount if I start looking after a sibling baby that takes me to 4 children under COC as they aren't taking up a space.
    Same here. I have a baby sibling due to start next September and they'll come to me under CoC. I'll offer a small discount for any times that I have both children here. The older child may do some nursery sessions, so there won't be a discount on those days.

    For any new families, or any siblings that take me to my 3 under 5s, I just say I don't offer a discount.

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    I've only been asked once before, by an awful parent who clearly wanted the world for free. I said did she want half the level of care and half the amount of food then? Luckily she didn't want to take up the places

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  11. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KateA View Post
    Hi,

    I am just interested in how you all word sorry no I don't offer sibling discounts to potential parents?

    This is the first time I will be potential having siblings (twins 13 months), i only work with under 5's they want 1 day a week just under 10 hours a day.

    Thanks in advance xxx
    I do offer a small discount to families who have 2 children BOTH attending for over 28 hrs a week/ minimum 8 hrs a day. (A couple of £ a day) But the moment one child does less hours, then both are charged normal fee.

    I have no trouble explaining to the parents as they can see there is a discount, and it has encouraged parents do more hours than they originally planned!

  12. #9
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    I don't offer a discount my hourly rate is set on what I need to earn over the year, if I offered a discount then I'd need to put up the hourly rate so wouldn't be any cheaper for you .

  13. #10
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    I cared for siblings for a while and they were much more hard work than any other family so I would think hard about taking siblings on again. I luckily didnt offer a discount and good job too as they created way more stress with them together than individually!

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    I really am amazed that a sibling discount ever came in as an option.
    Why would a parent think that if you had two from the same family would mean you are charged less for one?
    The second sibling takes up a place, you give both children equal attention....

    I expect this came about because childminder's were very nice, happy that they had filled a place in one swell scoop....
    Felt for the family having to pay so much.....

  16. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by FloraDora View Post
    I really am amazed that a sibling discount ever came in as an option.
    Why would a parent think that if you had two from the same family would mean you are charged less for one?
    The second sibling takes up a place, you give both children equal attention....

    I expect this came about because childminder's were very nice, happy that they had filled a place in one swell scoop....
    Felt for the family having to pay so much.....
    I was given a sibling discount when I had 2 children in nursery. In those days (25 years ago) it was usual to have a discount and applied at all the nurseries I looked at.

    Then, when I started childminding, the norm was a 50% discount for a second child!

    I don't even think it's that unusual these days for parents to expect a discount. A lot of activity clubs here offer a discount for more than one child and if you buy a family ticket for somewhere you're getting a discount for there being more than one of you. I have no problem at all with parents asking for a sibling discount...as long as they have no problem with me saying no!

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  18. #13
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    I used to offer discount when I first started childminding to get the business. I found that siblings are the hardest so don't discount anymore and haven't done for a long time. They really are a pain together! I always say I should charge double for siblings as they're double trouble!!

  19. #14
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    I have never done sibling discount for reasons pre mentioned by others, I also don't do free settling in sessions or reduced night time care.

 

 

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