Childminders, how many times do reschedule parent meetings?

[FrannyScraps]

An ex parent has kindly passed on my number to her friend. Friend has been in touch and since November I've been trying to arrange for her to visit. She requested to change the first appointment (on the day!) as she forgot they had plans, the second one (today) she was a no show and she's just messaged tonight to rearrange again... I'm getting unreliable vibes!

I don't need this space filled, I have plenty of enquires but thought with her being the friend of a previous client was a good reference.

WWYD? Or say?

Honestly, I would leave it. She sounds unreliable, and if you don't need the business, her loss.

I would leave it to be honest, had this loads over the years when I was a childminder and some parents are just not worth it! Never accepted a parent after they were a no show.
Know your worth, this parent clearly doesn’t value your time.

Sorry forgot to say, I would just say the place has now been filled.

Thank you, you've confirmed how I feel. I just didn't know if I was being a bit harsh. I'll message tomorrow and say the place is no longer available.

I give them one chance then it's a no. If they start off flakey it will get worse.

If this is her now imagine when she feels comfortable with you! You would be constantly chasing payments.

One missed appointment is forgivable but not turning up to the rescheduled appointment is not on at all. Tell her the place is no longer available and give to someone else.

I've messaged back this morning to say unfortunately the place had now been filled and she's messaged back: 'How?????'

She's actually still pregnant so this is for next year but with the funded hours now, work is crazy busy. I understand she probably doesn't appreciate the urgency as it seems so fae away but I have tried to explain that waiting lists are long.

Her message back also feels a bit aggressive, not for me at all.

I think her response says it all, childcare is in such high demand since the funding came in and if parents fanny about they’re going to miss out. I think you’ve probably dodged a bullet there @FrannyScraps 🤣

I'd message back and say another family asked for a meeting I scheduled them for after your appointment they arrived loved everything, signed and paid the deposit.

I’m happy to change if they give notice as there’s a milllion and one reasons why. If they’re just a no show then I don’t arrange an other meeting. My time is precious and if they can’t be bothered to turn up then I don’t have space for them.

I have messaged back and explained I had lots of interest in the space and assumed she was no longer interested after the no show..

She said 'Well I didn't say that, I just forgot and that's easily done. I could have come today but it looks like there's no point now. Thanks.'

I haven't answered and honestly I feel relieved!! I really don't think we'd be a good fit, personality wise.

Your right. She sounds like an absolute mare

I was a childminder for 27 years. I would never reserve a place for an unborn child. So much could change and I could have turned other families away in the meantime.

Fair enough, we all run our businesses differently. Since the funding came in, parents want to secure childcare much easier.

Sounds like you swerved a problem.
Pacey do say it's advised to wait until a baby is born....it doesn't stop nurseries though.

Advised to wait to meet parents? It was just a meeting to visit the setting and each other.

I'm glad she's shown herself early, would have been worse if the baby had started.