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CM Club - How to Say No...

5 replies

RosieGirl · 16/05/2011 15:04

I find it the hardest word to say, rarely say it, but recently a prospective parent came around and I really felt we didn't "click", for the first time I felt I didn't want to enter into a business arrangement with her. I found her quite demanding, she has 3 children and was "telling" me where they needed picking up etc, I just didn't get a good feeling, I felt she was talking to me as if I would be a nanny, and politely said she might be best off looking for a nanny as I definitely couldn't do what she wanted. She complained that nannies were too expensive. After I told her several times I couldn't do what she wanted, she would keep questioning why I couldn't pick x up from school, she then changed her requirements, asking for any time I had available, I told her (honestly) at this point I don't have any space, and sent her away with numbers of other minders I know. She has now since called me back several times wanting "any" space I have, thinking that I only turned her down because I couldn't fit her in. I told her (again honestly) that I have a couple of people on a waiting list, but she has called again today asking what space I may have by January. She obviously liked me and I am the most local minder to her.

I don't really want to keep her hanging, but am looking for a polite way to say I really don't want to do business with her.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Danthe4th · 16/05/2011 15:44

January is a long way off, just tell her to call back in october as you can't take a deposit for a place that doesn't exist.

5318008 · 16/05/2011 16:21

yes I like Dan's approach

I agree that if you don't 'click' with the parents, if the chemistry is 'wrong' then that partnership is likely to prove difficult or uneasy

If she persists then keep on saying no, the spaces are not available and that you can't help, broken record style

Ripeberry · 16/05/2011 17:51

That would be my worst nightmare! A parent that wants me but I don't want them and they keep pestering Shock

vInTaGeVioLeT · 23/05/2011 00:09

she sounds like a nightmare client - stay well clear!
saying no is hard but if you really have no spaces you have the perfect way out!

poopnscoop · 23/05/2011 12:09

I have had this before too... where someone keeps calling me for weeks after I have told them I am not able to help them... and this was because I got a funny feeling about them at the meeting, hence took another child on, not hers.

Just stick to your guns. Do NOT give in. Your gut feel is crucial. Honestly, it has never let me down.

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