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Original poster

Childminders Club: Do you ever call people who've met you to see if they've decided whether they want you or not?

42 replies

HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 15:54

As some of you know, I met a lovely pregnant lady before Christmas and we left it that she would contact me in the New Year to arrange her coming with her dp. She was due about a week before Christmas and I said I'd wait to hear from her when she's ready but I'd contact her if any new enquiries came up.

Well, I had a handful of enquiries before Christmas but they were things I didn't want or couldn't have i.e. 2 children which would take me over my numbers, 1 or 2 days a week and I decided to hold off for a more full time position (my circumstances were very different at the time as dh was working).

Now I have a dilemma. I have some contact details for people I turned down that I could use to ask if they managed to find someone or are they still looking (as I need whatever I can get now ). Obviously I'd much prefer to take on this ladies baby IF she wanted me but how do I know whether or not she is serious (sounded it but you never know do you!).

I don't want to call her to ask as she's probably very tired and busy at the moment BUT I don't want to go behind her back trying to find work without speaking to her first.

What would you do? (sorry, it just keeps going round and round in my head!)

Thanks

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Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 22:33

p.s. Tan1959, is it tomorrow you have another person over?

OP posts:
Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 22:33

Right, I think I will call otherwise I will be wondering if she's read the email or not - keep changing my mind

Just want to point out she came 10 days before she was due and at the time (different circumstances) I was happy to wait til New Year and didn't intend to put any pressure on until say mid-late January however with household income suddenly down to £6500, things are very different so I need to be careful I don't loose out all together iyswim.

Will try calling tomorrow - she was lovely so I don't know why I'm worrying, just don't like the thought of putting her off!

Thanks for the advice everyone - helps a lot!

OP posts:
Tan1959 · 05/01/2006 22:19

Hellybelly: I have called a couple of prospective mindees parents after they have visited if they had indicated they would call me and didn't; wasnt because I was desperate you understand but did not want to give the place to someone else if they had set their heart on it - I usually called after a couple of weeks if I thought they appeared really keen. In my particular case, I have had three mums call, one who visited and keeps phoning to ask if I can do x y z (overnight care) then I don't hear anything for a couple of weeks and I end up calling her to see whether she will be needing care. Always says yes then same scenario again! and then their is the other lady with the baby who made inital enquiry about 6 weeks ago, her & hubby and of course the gorgeous nearly 12 week old baby finally visited and starts next week but I did call her twice! if it were me, I think I would call, you could say that you are receiving enquiries for the place - good luck if you do

blondehelen · 05/01/2006 22:01

as a parent, i have always phoned cm that I have visited and told them the reasons why I am not going with them etc.... i think its a bit rude not to. I wouldn't mind if a I got a phone call at all and I think you have been quite patient. it wouldn't put me off as i would be more concerned about being without childcare.

Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 21:53

Any more opinions - I can't decide now

OP posts:
lunavix · 05/01/2006 20:52

I personally would phone unless she specifically requested you email. It's for your peace of mind, and email won't do that!

Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 18:43

Probably best then as I do waffle sometimes (as if you didn't know that already ). Maybe I'll put something in there about not being sure she's on email so will give it til x and then call as I wouldn't want to presume she got the email and then use her space (type thing) - what do you reckon?

OP posts:
HappyMumof2 · 05/01/2006 17:43

Message withdrawn

Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 17:36

Ooops, started replying earlier and now more of you have replied!

Thanks for the advice She was hoping to be on email at home soon after visiting me but I can't be sure she is. Do you think I should try emailing first or go straight for the call? May seem a silly question but I need as much advice as possible as I've never had this before!

Thanks again

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Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 17:30

Cheers. I suppose I just feel awkward about the timing as she'll still be a very new mum. Will do it though

As for when she'd be going back to work, around April/May time. We discussed retainer etc. so for me it's more of a 'do you want me' so I know where I stand.

OP posts:
puppy · 05/01/2006 17:20

oops I was going to say something else and did not erase the full sentence.
should read:

I agree with others, I would ring also,by not knowing and holding out for her you could miss out on another family iykwim

puppy · 05/01/2006 17:17

I agree with others, I would ring also at the end by not knowing and holding out for her you could miss out on another family iykwim

HappyMumof2 · 05/01/2006 17:12

Message withdrawn

Booh · 05/01/2006 16:46

I would call the lasy with the baby, when does she want a childminder, as surely if she has just had the baby she wouldn't be going back to work for months........would she pay you to hold open a space? Ring and see how you stand!

saltire · 05/01/2006 16:36

If you told er that you would contact her when you got any enquiries then yes i would give her a quick call, explain why and ask if she still needed you. I have had a similar situation happen a couple of years ago.

Original poster
HellyBelly · 05/01/2006 16:11

Well, I thought so but some people (not childminders) said I may put her off me altogether. My head's all over the place with the other problems we are trying to sort out so I'm trying to be very careful to play this right

OP posts:
katymac · 05/01/2006 16:04

Yes - regularily

How else can you keep things straight