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Original poster

Advice re Unhappy parent!

38 replies

laurenamium · 27/05/2012 21:34

I have been child minding since September and have been lucky enough to be full already with lovely parents and children who are happy with the care they receive.

HOWEVER, I have just been told through a mutual friend that a parent has updated a Facebook status (i dont have parents on facebook) to say something along the lines of "my childminder is a silly bitch with an attitude p problem" I am Sad that she feels like this and also that she hasn't spoke to me direct about any issues. Especially given that I'm not even sure where it has come from! Only last week she commented on how happy she was to have found me!

What should I do about it? What would you do in this situation? If I was looking for child care for my DD I certainly wouldn't be happy to leave her with someone who I thought was a bitch with an attitude!! I am Sad!!

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Groovee · 28/05/2012 06:06

As a parent who uses a childminder, I'm shocked that any one can do this to their childminder. I'd expect to give notice if this was the case.

ToffeeWhirl · 28/05/2012 04:55

That's awful for you Sad and I agree with what the previous posters have said. I'm sure your other parents don't have any problems with you, don't worry. It sounds as if this woman has her own issues. If she was genuinely unhappy with the service you provide she would be giving you notice. Maybe she was just letting off steam, but she shouldn't have used you in this way.

And how silly of her - now her children are going to lose a good childminder and will be all unsettled.

Good luck in discussing it with her and let us know how it goes.

bigpaws · 28/05/2012 04:40

Good luck with discussing this with her. Her comments would make me Sad too. I would do like already suggested - keep a record of what has happened and a copy of her comment. I would be tempted to ask her why she feels like this about you - record that too.

Original poster
laurenamium · 27/05/2012 22:17

I keep swaying between Sad and Angry! I might mention slander in the written notice so she doesn't put anything else on about it! Obviously I can't control what she says, I just wish she would have came to me about any issues! I'll call her in the morning and have the children after school. I'll report back tomorrow night and let you know how it goes!

Thank you for helping! I was a bit hesitant to post but needed CM advice without involving mutual friend and won't see another CM until mid week. Also don't want to be seen as gossiping/ moaning!

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Flisspaps · 27/05/2012 22:11

Stick the question on the bottom of your questionnaire, so you have the comments in writing. If they're positive, then you've got them there to refer to/show Ofsted at a future inspection towards Partnership with Parents Wink

I'd love to see that mother's face when you bring it up with her (however you choose to do it)

Original poster
laurenamium · 27/05/2012 22:03

Do you think I should maybe ask in passing my other parents to make sure they are happy too? Just a "are you happy with the care/ service you receive" maybe in development folders/ learning journeys? I send them home monthly anyway with a "parent comments/ ideas/ wishes" sheet in which I take into account when planning. I hate to think that I'm doing something wrong and not even aware of it!!

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Flisspaps · 27/05/2012 21:58

Ah so you know it's definitely been said - screen shot in with your letter of notice then.

Original poster
laurenamium · 27/05/2012 21:58

I thought this, I don't see how we will be able to work together when she feels like this!

I can't think what might have caused it! We spoke on friday when she told me her shifts and which school runs I will be doing in June. But I didn't think there was an issue about it, I didn't question it or say I was unavailable!

It's probably a bit late to call now but I do have the children tomorrow so will maybe call before I know she starts work so she knows I know before I see her?

OP posts:
Flisspaps · 27/05/2012 21:56

Id want a screen shot, if your friend is correct I'd then give written notice at the earliest opportunity, perhaps enclosing a copy of the screenshot.

lesstalkmoreaction · 27/05/2012 21:48

I would ring her and just tell her that you've been told about her facebook status and that you would rather she discuss any problems she has directly with you and give her a time that is convenient.
Have you any idea what she is referring to, personally I hate confronting people but in this case I would offer her an immediate chance to take her child from you and under the circumstances to waive any fees after she has paid up to date. The trust is gone for me.

Original poster
laurenamium · 27/05/2012 21:45

She is a childminder and old school friend, we often work together...meet up at playgroups etc, I had a little look and parents page setting is open so I've seen it. What do I do next?

OP posts:
QIelf · 27/05/2012 21:44

tell her to get a screen grab and send it to you

QIelf · 27/05/2012 21:43

who is the mutual friend and can you be certain she is tellign the trruth?