Nerves!

[Kym2098]

I just interviewed my 3rd dcf. And I'm always so nervous when conducting the interviews! I don't think it shows... I wish I could say over time I'd be more relaxed during interviews but, I dunno!

Are any of you nervous? Anything you do to calm yourself before and during the interview??

I feel like it went well, but dcm said she isn't a pet lover (I have 3 cats).

I hope she can get over that !

[Kym2098]

Also, do many of you have pets? I would think that many in-home daycares would...

[SilverSabre25]

3 cats here and it's only been an issue once or twice. Allergies, usually.

I'mm always nervous before interviews. I hate 'em. It's why I like long, LONG term families!

[EchoMom]

I have one dog, hasn't been an issue at all.

[MyAngels]

I used to have two dogs, both of whom passed away in the last year or so, and it was only a problem once. One of my daycare moms asked if I allowed my Irish Setter to lick her baby's face - she was certain that she could "see" the dog slobber on his cheeks ::. They were one of the oddest families I've ever had. Nice, but really odd.

[DaisyMamma]

4 dogs. No one has ever mentioned it being a concern.

[wahmof3]

I am always nervous

I can't stand it either

and I have 2 dogs. I've never had a problem.

[Breezy]

Always nervous here too!

2 cats and 2 dogs for me as well. Never been an issue!

[Kym2098]

Thanks for the responses! My nerves always get the best of me!

The potential dcm asked if the cats might come by the baby when he is playing on the floor.. Of course but not to cuddle.. One of my cats is scared of his own shadow!
And my cats sleep all day !! Fortunately allergies was not an issue this time, but my first interview with a family it was.

Time will tell.. If they choose to go with me this would fill my 1st full time spot!
Fingers crossed!

[wdmmom]

2 dogs, 1 cat and 2 fish tanks.

My furry kids are family. They are a deal breaker. Either you are accepting of my family or you can move along.

I had one family that told me they had allergies to cats...which is funny because I post it boldly in my website that there are 2 dogs and 1 cat on the premises.

Personally...I don't think it was allergies. I don't think they liked my rules.

[jenny31052]

I called back a family once, to tell them that I wasn't going to provide care for their daughter because I didn't like the attitude Mom had once I told her that I have 4 cats (which stays upstairs most of the time, while kids are here).. she told me that she doesn't want the cats around her daughter, and when I told her that they spend their time upstairs, she said "Oh, good!!" with such tone, that I felt like she was coming into my house to dictate how I should run my business (there were other red flags too, but the attitude towards my pets, totally got me in the wrong spot..)

My pets are like my kids, they are family, and they are treated like family.. if you don't like their presence in MY/THEIR house, then you need to find a pet free daycare - all of my other families have no problems whatsoever...

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Our dog is kept completely separate. The children never see him.

The red eared sliders (turtles) and giant goldfish are the Preschool pets. So, they see them but naturally do not touch them.

I am far less nervous now than I used to be. I've conducted around 20-25 interviews at this point. Not a lot, but enough that I feel confident.

[jokalima]

I am always scared of interviews, I have one on Monday so wish me luck! This same mom asked me on the phone if I had pets, apparently she does not like them that much, I told her I don't have any @ this moment but would love to have one and then asked her if that would be a problem for her because I did not want to tell her something now and a few months later go out and get a pet.

[Blackcat31]

..ok, now I know without a doubt that I am definitely paddling in a different river than most of you. ::

I like interviews. As a matter of fact, they are super easy for me and something I have never worried about or been uncomfortable with.

For me, I have found the easiest way to manage an interview is to let the parent lead you. Let them ask you the questions they need to know. Allow them time to tell you about themselves. Spend the first portion of the interview with them talking. Once they have done that, I can get a really good feel for who they are and what type of care situation they are looking for.

You would be amazed at what things you can learn when you listen twice as much as you speak.

Once the family is done talking (it is usually obvious when they have nothing furhter to really say) then I begin telling them things that I want them to know and be aware of that they didn't already ask about themselves.

The last thing I do is give them a physical tour....unless they are laid back enough that we are able to tour AND talk at the same time.

Interviews are the foundation to my care/enviroment and how I run my business but they are NOT formal and uncomfortable....for either party.

Interviews, paperwork and the business side of this profession are my strong/good qualities.

In my personal opinion, if you can master the interview part of this career, then the families/children you get into your program are super easy because you will have made good matches during the interview parts and you will have weeded out the ones who would not have been a good fit.

[Kym2098]

Blackcat I knew you'd be comfortable! You seem like you have the interviews down pat.
My family yesterday had nothing to ask yesterday, as they said I pretty much covered it. They only question was regarding the cats.
The interview only last 15 mins, they weren't as talkative as my previous family whose son I now watch.

Have a great weekend!

..ok, now I know without a doubt that I am definitely paddling in a different river than most of you. ::

I like interviews. As a matter of fact, they are super easy for me and something I have never worried about or been uncomfortable with.

For me, I have found the easiest way to manage an interview is to let the parent lead you. Let them ask you the questions they need to know. Allow them time to tell you about themselves. Spend the first portion of the interview with them talking. Once they have done that, I can get a really good feel for who they are and what type of care situation they are looking for.

You would be amazed at what things you can learn when you listen twice as much as you speak.

Once the family is done talking (it is usually obvious when they have nothing furhter to really say) then I begin telling them things that I want them to know and be aware of that they didn't already ask about themselves.

The last thing I do is give them a physical tour....unless they are laid back enough that we are able to tour AND talk at the same time.

Interviews are the foundation to my care/enviroment and how I run my business but they are NOT formal and uncomfortable....for either party.

Interviews, paperwork and the business side of this profession are my strong/good qualities.

In my personal opinion, if you can master the interview part of this career, then the families/children you get into your program are super easy because you will have made good matches during the interview parts and you will have weeded out the ones who would not have been a good fit.