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Original poster

Am I being unreasonable?

31 replies

fc79 · 13/10/2009 16:55

Hello, not a big problem I just wanted some opinions as I am a newly registered childminder.

I have advertised and was contacted by a lady who wanted to come and visit me this week with her 1 year old. We both decided today would suit then when I asked what time she said her, DD and DH would be round at 7.45pm! I really dont want them round at that time of night, that is mine and DH's evening to relax, not try and impress prospective parents. We dont have children of our own but for childminders who do I can imagine this would be even more inconvenient as it would be bedtime routine.

I didnt want to sound rude so just asked if they could possibly do before 6.30 so I would still have all my childminding toys and equipment out. That was 4 days ago, finally got a message back today from the DH saying he works late so will have to be 7.45!

Am I being unreasonable not wanting them looking around my house at this time of the evening?!

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overweightnoverdrawn · 13/10/2009 17:49

how are they troublesome?

Northernlurker · 13/10/2009 17:36

It's 7.45pm!! Not all 1 yr olds are in bed at 6.30pm - especially if their Dad's working hours mean he gets home later than that. I think it's really unfair to label them potentially 'troublesome' just because in choosing a carer who works from her own home they thought that they would be able to see her in that home in the early evening.

Original poster
fc79 · 13/10/2009 17:22

Thanks for the replies.
I did think it was very late for a 1 year old to be out. I've messaged back to say as I hadnt heard from them I had now made other plans for tonight but maybe we can sort something out for next week. If they're still interested I could suggest Sat morning maybe.

If they're not still onterested I suppose I could have lost myself some very troublesome parents!

OP posts:
Northernlurker · 13/10/2009 17:20

Sure it's your home and your time but we are talking about one occasion here. Were I looking at a childminder and wanted dh to see it then I wouldn't react well to you refusing to accomodate his working hours for a one off visit.

Why should they be bothered about your need to relax? After all we are talking 7.45 not 10.30pm! It's not an unreasonable request.

underpaidandoverworked · 13/10/2009 17:12

What about rearranging for the weekend - I've done Saturday appts before. I certainly wouldn't want prospective parents round at that time - and if they're bringing dc, surely that's quite late for a 1yr old .

Can mum not come by herself for initial visit.

It's your home and your business - set your own terms and be firm from the beginning. I learned that the hard way

hennipenni · 13/10/2009 17:07

I have had parents round to see me at all hours, Unfortunatly it may be the only time that they can both attend.

I have inthe past said that they are welcome to come at whatever late time they needed to but have usually said that I won't have toys/equipment out etc.