Should I Take This Client? Red Flags?? Should I Try Or Run??

[lovemykidstoo]

I would definitely interview her. What do you have to lose? Sometimes things are not explained write in an email or text. It's better to get it in a conversation. Maybe she's just coming across bad.

[Josiegirl]

Maybe she's out comparing daycares to see if she can find something better? Wonder if she's already been visiting others?
I think, if it were me, I'd meet with her, let her read all the paperwork, especially going over the concerns she's already expressed about the other provider, see how it all feels to you. Never hurts to meet with them, right?

[Maria2013]

I wouldn't bother to interview this one. I'd tell the mom that it sounds like much the same way that I do things at my care, and I don't think that she would be any happier with me than with the current provider, and wish her luck on finding the right fit.

I agree 100%

[Shell]

I wouldn't bother to interview this one. I'd tell the mom that it sounds like much the same way that I do things at my care, and I don't think that she would be any happier with me than with the current provider, and wish her luck on finding the right fit.

I agree, also. This sounds a lot like the dcm I posted about here several months ago. She was perfectly happy, and her daughter was well adjusted at her current dc center, but she was still shopping around?! The reasons she gave me were petty ones, and I was weary about the whole situation.
She wound up signing a contract, and backing out at the last minute. Her reason- her current dc decided to "work with her" on her an earlier drop off, so she could stay?! She never even mentioned hours as a reason she was leaving. I think some of these wishy washy parents interview all around to see if the grass is greener, and waste our time completely.

[Meeko]

"the provider took too many kids and didn't take direction from the parents"

This alone would make me not interview.

Unless the provider is over-ratio, "too many kids" is the DCM's personal opinion. A parent has no right to decide or have any input into how many kids a provider has as long as she is legal.

Her comment makes it obvious that she expects to give directions in the care of her child. It is clear she does not understand that she is not hiring an employee or that she is looking to enroll her child in a GROUP setting and is not entitled to individual care.

I don't think she would be a good fit.

[WImom]

I wouldn't bother to interview this one. I'd tell the mom that it sounds like much the same way that I do things at my care, and I don't think that she would be any happier with me than with the current provider, and wish her luck on finding the right fit.

I don't think she will be happy at your house either.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I really dislike wasting my time. I have terminated a family that seemed too demanding before they even began here (after giving a deposit) due to 3 e-mails that didn't sit well with me. I refunded them and told them I hoped they found a better fit elsewhere.

There is nothing in this world that makes me dread work more than a Harvard Mom/High Maintenance Mom or a parent who doesn't follow policy. We all have our things that we just can't live with so you have to decide if this is something you can.

[Play Care]

"the provider took too many kids and didn't take direction from the parents"

This alone would make me not interview.

Unless the provider is over-ratio, "too many kids" is the DCM's personal opinion. A parent has no right to decide or have any input into how many kids a provider has as long as she is legal.

Her comment makes it obvious that she expects to give directions in the care of her child. It is clear she does not understand that she is not hiring an employee or that she is looking to enroll her child in a GROUP setting and is not entitled to individual care.

I don't think she would be a good fit.

I agree - and further I think if you go through with the interview you may feel more tempted to take her on...I know I would

[cheerfuldom]

I personally would not waste my time. I don't have a problem with the parents having whatever reasons about leaving previous childcare....my biggest problem is that she has already given conflicting stories about what is going on in this scenario. If you are not confident enough to go thru every detail on your contract and ask some pointed questions about her expectations as well as enforce all rules from the beginning, then I would pass on this. Yes, what you are seeing are red flags. Its up to you if you want to take the risk or not.

[Cradle2crayons]

Those could be red flags or they could be nervous pregnancy hormones.

It could simply be that the other provider does not give a sibling discount and your rates will be cheaper with two kids in care. (some are embarrassed to admit this)

It could be that she is desperately trying to win your approval and thinks she is flattering you by trashing her old provider.

It could also be the stereotypical transition from 1st kid to 2nd kid. My bet is she will become more laid back pretty quickly after the birth.

I'd do the interview and see how she interacts in your environment.

Interview and get a better feel for it; you can always say no!

I don't see red flags, per se....I'm actually wondering if the child uses an *open cup* and the current provider doesn't let her?

I would write down your concerns and the things she talked about and then ask for more detail. "I remember you mentioned that you don't like that your current provider wants the children to say all done; can you tell me more about that, or why it bothers you?" (Maybe she wants her daughter to say, "May I be excused?")

The one thing that slightly concerns me is her assertion that goldfish and nutragrain bars stop the 20mo from eating healthy food....that seems preposterous unless there's something going on like mom is sending in kale chips and child would rather have the goldfish....I don't know if you're like me but I adhere to food program guidelines even though I don't "have" to so there's always a healthy variety of healthy foods. And some treats here and there. But what's life without treats?

(I once lost a client because at the interview she didn't like that one day we had donuts, bananas, and milk for snack--my daughter's first day of kindy and one dcb's birthday on the same day!)

Both of these. I'd do the interview and then trust my gut.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

What did you choose to do?