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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
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!)
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.
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.
I dont offer less than 100% care to the sibllng , therefore i dont charge less than 100% of my fee.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by hectors house
For any new families, or any siblings that take me to my 3 under 5s, I just say I don't offer a discount.
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by KateA
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!
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 .
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!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by FloraDora
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!
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!!
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.