to expect a timely repsonse frommums/dads?

[shongololo]

I am a leader in a popular youth organisation - you know the one - woggles and neckers and all. You know - the one with a published 35000 kids on waiting lists (reality -more like 50-60k kids if our area is anything to go by).

My own group is the only one in an area of pop. 20,000. Needless to say, my waiting list is HUGE and growing daily. Two nearby groups have closed due to a lack of adult leaders, plus we are very active and exciting group. We cover a vast area, and can only offer approx 12 places a year. (24 kids legal limit, they stay for 2 years, so generally works out at 12 a year)

So when I sent a letter to a prospective parent asking if she wanted a place for her son, and asking for the various forms to comeback by a set day or the place would be reallocated.... you would think she'd be

beating a path to my door the next day, no?

So when she came back 2 weeks after the deadline (she had 2 months to respond btw) , and I said I would try and get him in over published numbers....you'ld think she would be a) grateful and b)get the damn forms to me?

I've heard absolutely nothing. I have 20 kids who are of the right age ready and waiting to come in, do you think it would be unreasonable of me now to give this place away, as mum is clearly underwhelmed by the opportunity? Its been a week since I offered to squeeze him in, and asked for the forms "in the next day or two"

Thing is, I have a shed load of admin tasks to do with the forms, (its all data protection/gift aid/personal details stuff) and we start Wednesday.

So...withdraw the offer or not?

Yes, withdraw the offer.

yes withdraw it

Absolutely withdraw the offer.

She's already passed the deadline, I would have written her off at that point!

Unless she has notified you of some sort of ongoing emergency or hardship situation (iyswim) that might merit extra-special consideration, then I don't see why you should hold the offer open beyond the deadlines you've already so clearly communicated.

Withdraw the offer, and you should make it clear on any offers to other parents in future that there is a deadline to respond and after that date the place will be offered to another child.

nope. you have a deadline, stick to it. when she comes back in a month or so explain the the child has to rejoin the botom of the waiting list.

YANBU. Give the place to someone else.

Withdraw it - in writing with reasons. YANBU.

YANBU

Withdraw it. She has (rightly or no) not made herself out to be a parent who you want to have dealings with for the next 2 years.

withdraw

definitely withdraw - I am the secretary for my local dib-dibbers and it really pisses me off when parents (some of whom are friends of mine) think their DS (or DD) should be able to just jump to the top of the waiting list - I have had the group leader waiting at the den to meet prospective parents that I arranged meetings for that didn't even bother turning up! They clearly can't want the place that badly - let it go to someone who does. sorry, rant over!

Oh yes withdraw it. My sister has this problem with her group, there has to be limits. YANBU.

Grrrrrr!!

I contacted one mum 10 days ago about a place for her child. She is one of those that has nagged me. She didnt respond, so I gave the place away yesterday. Sods law - she has come back today wanting the place.

Now looking at my waiting list and his age, she is not going to get him in until April time, by which time he will be too old to get the full dyb dyb dyb experience at this level.

Why oh why dont they bloody well respond when they get the message - now Im left looking like the bad guy .

You've been more than reasonable towards these parents - it is not your fault that their children are missing out - it's their fault.

TBH, if they can't get the forms back to you in time to get their sons into the group, are they going to be reliable about subs/camp costs, and are they going to be beating a path to your door to offer their help? I doubt it.