The Storm Was Coming And The Doppler Was Down

Wow. Last night I was thrown for quite a loop. My radar detection system failed me. I'm not sure if this was a result of my feeling under the weather this last week or being enamoured by the normality and easy going conversations I had with this family. Last week I interviewed with a delightful family. This family seemed like a wonderful fit for my daycare. They were prompt, well-spoken, and even handled a behavioural issue very well that occurred during their time here. I was smitten. I let them know that I would accept them into care should they feel this was also in their best interest.

Two days later I received a phone call from both parents. They were thrilled to have found me. They wanted to sign on for care and start in August. I hung up the phone and let out a sigh of relief. Yet again, I had managed to fill a spot with a normal, every day family. No crack pots, no weirdos, no monkey kids.

We had an appointment to meet this Thursday to sign the contract, have them leave the deposit and mark our calendars with a start date. However, last night I received a phone call that left me both angry and stunned. The parent called to confirm our appointment. Still pleased with their professionalism I was glad to know they were confirming our upcoming appointment. It was then that everything fell apart. The mother wanted some information on my fees, whether or not they would have to pay for statutory holidays, their vacation and when the child was sick. Crazy me, but I could have sworn that we discussed all of these points in the interview and a copy of the contract was sent home for their perusal. I was at a loss. They had obviously not listened to, nor cared about, a word that was said. They had not reviewed the contract.

It was at this point in the phone conversation that I knew I must cut my losses and move on. I told the parent that she had not done her homework and that I was far too picky as to whom I accept into care to take on a family like this one. Her shocked reaction could be heard as she uttered a single word, "Oh". I let her know that she should look elsewhere for care because they sure as hell were not coming here.

When I hung up the phone I was a bit stunned. How had this happened? I thought I was better at reading people. I'm always on high alert for red flags, personalities and parenting styles that clash. I asked all the right questions, provided all the proper documentation, forms and policies. What did I miss? Were they really that smooth in the interview that I was schmoozled?

Regardless of the reasons, my Radar failed me. I have only myself to blame. I missed something somewhere. There is a lesson in this. The lesson is that we all need to be vigilant. We need to bring our "A" game to interviews. And damn it, we need to be picky. Because if we aren't then we end up with wiffle-wafflers, micro-managers, flip-floppers, rude, nasty, inconsiderate parents who view us a their nanny.

Interviews are the hardest part of daycare. It is in these moments that we seal our fate. We either invite in or shun the problems that will come in the future. Thankfully last night I was given a second chance before the papers were signed. Someone, somewhere was looking out for me. Whew! That was too close!




For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca