Childminders Club: Do you ever call people who've met you to see if they've decided whether they want you or not?

[HellyBelly]

As some of you know, I met a lovely pregnant lady before Christmas and we left it that she would contact me in the New Year to arrange her coming with her dp. She was due about a week before Christmas and I said I'd wait to hear from her when she's ready but I'd contact her if any new enquiries came up.

Well, I had a handful of enquiries before Christmas but they were things I didn't want or couldn't have i.e. 2 children which would take me over my numbers, 1 or 2 days a week and I decided to hold off for a more full time position (my circumstances were very different at the time as dh was working).

Now I have a dilemma. I have some contact details for people I turned down that I could use to ask if they managed to find someone or are they still looking (as I need whatever I can get now ). Obviously I'd much prefer to take on this ladies baby IF she wanted me but how do I know whether or not she is serious (sounded it but you never know do you!).

I don't want to call her to ask as she's probably very tired and busy at the moment BUT I don't want to go behind her back trying to find work without speaking to her first.

What would you do? (sorry, it just keeps going round and round in my head!)

Thanks

Ok, off to do it now!! [shaking in boots for some stupid reason!]

fingers crossed helly!! come back n let us know asap x

Back!

Take the grin as good news then!!!

Right, she gave birth on Christmas Day!!! She is SOOOO lovely and was apologising when she didn't need to etc. She's told me that she's now got the kick up the backside to talk to her partner to see what they are going to do about things and will call me by the end of Sunday. They have visitors coming over weekend and staying so they want to make sure they are alone when they talk about it. She admitted these feelings of 'I can't leave my baby and work!' but also said she's probably got no choice and that's what they are talking about.

I am VERY VERY pleased I called. We had a lovely chat like mates and she was great.

Now it's just a matter of whether or not they think they can manage without her working (which she doubts) and if she will be needing someone, she'll be arranging a 2nd visit with her dp.

So, should have an answer either way by the end of the weekend.

Will let you know what happens!

Sorry, was teasing to say I had done it (as lovemygirls wanted to know asap) and in the meantime, I was typing about what happened!

The was for feeling better and being happy I made the call!

helly thats great news i hope she comes n signs the paperwork next week that would be great!

As for teasing me i was going out of my mind here! lol not really i was msn-ing my dp so wasnt even watching the thread - and i shouldnt be here at all i should be cleaning like a madwoman ready for my visit from ofsted on wed! i didnt think i had much left to do until i wrote a list n with still getting up in the night with baby im shattered n have no motivation - someone please give me a kick up the bum! ill just have a cuppa tea............

Well it sounds promising!!

Does this sound really cheeky? I have a mum who will definatly use me when she finds employment, She said that she really wanted to get back to work.....so have been out an got her some application forms!!

She did say to me, that if i find anything in the line of work that she wants to do, then to pick up application forms- however I hope it just wasn't a tongue in cheek comment!!

did sound slightly cheeky when i read the first bit but then i saw the last bit and i think if she asked then whats the harm just be casual and say i dont know if you'd be interested but i saw these while i was in town (or wherever) and i picked one up for you. then its up to her what she does with it.

Lovemygirls - you have no time for a cup of tea - get on with that bloody cleaning . As for signing paperwork, the first visit was just a chat over a drink (but lastest ages which is good!). She didn't have question ready or anything but I'd said if she'd like to meet me to see if she liked me, I'd be happy to do another meeting with questions and stuff. Therefore, IF they come (her and dp and hopefully georgeous little baby!), I reckon it will be more to ask questions etc and then for her and dp to chat about me etc.

Iceman - agree about the forms. Thought the same but then if she mentioned it then you are only doing what she said - I'd be casual but I would give them to her!

Good plan Helly i think i will do that to people who seem interested in using me nice to know they can come and have a casual chat just to see if they like you and you're setting without anything formal . only just sat back down for a few seconds btw i honestly have been cleaning in between, i just cant get my brain into gear really, im gonna do a full clean on tuesday as any earlier and it will be a mess by then again anyway so my time is better spent reading and getting my ideas together but my brain wont work enough to do that, so am cleaning in an attempt to do some of what i would have done on tuesday like bleaching the bin clearing all clutter etc so tuesday i just have to make sure everything is ready. good plan?

well done helly, I'm so glad you have a possible new baby

I forgot to add, when one of my mums (my main mindees' parents!) came she cancelled the first time saying they were p-ing her off and she was too stressed so I automatically thought she wasn't interested. She said she'd call the next day as she needed care urgently, but didn't so I phoned her that evening. She came the next day, then again the one after to sign everything saying she was soo happy with me! There's nothing wrong with calling!

Well done Helly - so pleased you phoned her roll on Sunday evening then

My young mum didn't end up coming today as SW went to her house at alloted time to collect her & her child but found no one at home Mmmm ok - I only have a little background history at the moment so kind of thought that this could happen! Hopefully next week though

LoveMyGirls - the idea of doing the casual chat was thanks (again) to the lovely mumsnetters here They suggested I got her over for a chat and when I said "you'll probably be bored on maternity leave, feel free to come over for coffee and just a chat and if you like me, come back with questions etc after the baby is born" she liked the idea - she just was worried that she had no questions. I can't remember how long she was here in the end but it was over an hour (maybe nearer 2?) Anyway, we really hit it off and she was so grateful because I told her loads of stuff in our chit chat that answered questions she hadn't thought of so we were both pleased! As for your cleaning, yep, good idea to do it on Tuesday and prepare other things in your head for now

I really don't want to get too excited about this lady and her baby as she may well decide she can't face going back to work. I was just happy that the phone call was the right move for me! (turned out she has no pc working anyway so good job I didn't email )

Good luck Tan1959, let us know if you get anywhere with this!

Not heard back yet but I know she wanted to talk once the family who were visiting had left. Hopefully it's just a case of not making a decision yet.

PLEASE phone today [nervous emoticon]

She phoned but her and dp have different opinions. She can't bear the thought of going back to work full time as she's only just given birth. I said I completely understand and that she should enjoy her time with dd and wait until she is ready to think about it. Didn't want to put pressure on as she may be able to push for redundancy etc. and to be honest, they are just not ready to decide. She was lovely and said she definitely wants me or someone like me when the time comes to go back to work so she's keeping my details. You never know what could happen!

Anyway, back to waiting for the phone to ring! Still glad I phoned though