Hi, I have worked for sitters for years and have never cancelled a booking, until today!! I called the mother to confirm I was still needed to sit tonight.
She is Chinese and I could barely understand what she was saying to me and she couldn't even give me directions to her home, I found myself saying pardon to everything she said, which in the end makes me feel rude! I just about got after 4 attempts that she lives near a book shop!!!
I rang sitters to explain that I wasn't happy to be sitting for someone who I couldn't communicate with! was asked what I expected sitters to do!!
I said what happens if the children's english is poor too!! again not much response. I asked if she would feel happy to go and she said she didn't know. I mentioned that I hadn't been feeling 100% all day and am also 6 months pregnant but hadn't cancelled as it isn't in my nature to let people down, but wasn't comforatable with the booking. So cancelled.
Sitters called back to say they had spoken to the lady and nothing wrong with her English(feel like I am being accused of lying!), really didn't know what I was talking about so therefore not a good enough reason to cancel, as also not 100% and pregnant then not able to do job, so therefore have taken me off the register! Would like to say that I have been able to work my normal hours this week as a nanny even though not feeling fab(just cold symptoms) so thought that just sitting I would be more than ok.
Really think this over the top! but would appreciate any thoughts on this.
Sorry its such a long ramble!!