anybody want a free 'supernanny' session?

[nannyme]

Hi

I am keen to add a few more testimonials to my new site (behaviour management consultancy) so am happy to offer one or two free consultations to parents here in exchange for a testimonial. I have helped spudballoo from here with great success and she has given me a fab testimonial which is on my site. I won't add my web address but you can CAT me for details as this isn't an ad, more a plea for help from a mother trying to get a very small business off the ground.

I do use this site for personal stuff too so please don't think I am just using the board to advertise. If any of you are interested just get in touch to discuss.

And thank you L for my mention in your Times sleep training article - got lots of hits after that. Huge thanks!

Nannyme, my dd's(who is 6yrs old)behaviour at school has always been of the attenion seeking variety but recently it has got a lot worse. She answers teachers/support staff back and won't do as she is asked first time round. Her work is excellent and above average the school have decided this week to put her on the SEN register and she has been set three targets, to as asked first time, to not answer back to a teacher and to not interrupt when someone else is speaking. I have always been really strict with her etc so am not sure where she is getting this behaviour from, it is really stressing me out. Myself and her teacher tried to explain to her yesterday what would be happening but it didn't seem to sink in at all. I have had several opinions from friends but they are all different, I am worried that her father walking out 3 yrs ago and his violence towards me affected her more than we originally thought, I would really appreciate a friendly ear and I would love to know that I am not the only one experiencing this

Mrs Wood, Thanks for the advice. I do try and make things appealing and and you are def right about once they have tried a mouthful they want more. I have got 2 books on kids food (perhaps I should read them!!) I do make elephant, hippo and teddy sandwiches and she generally eats/tries those so I think that might be a winner. We are going to make pizzas for tea (with funny faces).
Traceyk, plastic animals sound like a good idea too!!

would love to help nannyme but live in Scotland - what a fab idea for a busines though - I wish you every success!

Hi Nannyme,

Am too far away for freebie session, but wondered if you had any free nuggets of wisdom on my situation!

I have two DS's who are exactly 12 months apart in age. They are great and have a really strong bond, but they are now nearing 3 and 2yrs and I find I am constantly sorting out their squabbles and rescuing youngest DS from underneath a pile up!

It's mostly the older DS who is throwing his weight around as Big Bro, often grabbing toys when he doesnt even want them really, and sometimes the playful rough and tumble always ends up the youngest squeeling because he's stuck underneath the eldestDS! It's hard cause I always feel like Im often telling off the older DS, and IMO I think he's old enough to understand when DS1 is squeeling and not laughing anymore, then he should STOP! I get tired of rescuing the DS2.
Do you think I should time out with the eldest ds for snatching toys?

Having said all this they are very close and they never/rarely hit or bite eachother, (touch wood for future phases!) its just the WWF style wrestling. How normal is this with brothers?! Am I fighting a losing battle to expect them to stop being physical with eachother?

Sometimes Im tempted to split them up, one plays downstairs, other plays upstairs, but am not sure if thats the answer?
BTW, they do have breathing space apart as well, while DS1 goes to pre school 3 morns and 2 pm's a week.

Thanks for any advice that springs to mind!

Hi nannyme. Just had a look at the site. The prices would not put me off - in fact, although they seem frighteneing at first, they're quite reasonable! However, I would say that you definately need far more testimonials (the purpose of your post here!). Personally, if I was to book someone like you, I'd be looking for evidence of a proven track record or for lots and lots and lots and lots of letters after your name.

Good luck with it. Sounds like something I need!

Thank you for that very helpful advice. This is exactly what I wanted to know - and not just because it backs up my suspicions!

I had figured that either my prices were just that bit too high or that there was not currently enough evidence available of my abilities and personality, etc. etc.

There are several new testimonials due to appear in the next week and a feature on Sky news's website. I have lots of good references from my Barnardo's work and nanny placements but I wanted everything on the site to reflect the work of I Don't Like Crusts.

Every time I have talked about lowering my fees people who have started new businesses have said "don't do it!" and that they went through that feeling. I think, from the gist of it, one has to aim at a particular client base and pitch it accordingly without changing things to suit every type of income bracket. We'll see. Of the type of person I envisage working for, mostly people have said they would happily pay more for the service received!

As far as the several new enquiries here are concerned, I have gone way over my limit for freebie sessions. However, I do advertise on my sute, the fact that I am prepared to negotiate fees in some cases, and even waver them if necessary. This is very much on a case by case basis. For those who just need a few pointers, i will try and get in touch with my thoughts but I am absolutely snowed under right now and have a major feature going live on the Sky website in a matter of days so things could be about to get even busier. There is a facility for receiving email advice on the site which costs £15 and this way you are guaranteed advice within a few days.

I hope I am not sounding mean, but to all I have not answered I will try my best, but in the meantime I am sure there will be plenty of helpful advice available through mumsnet if you cannot wait for me!

VVV got your msg. thanks and I understand. Just give me a call/mail whenever you are ready. Take care.