Simple instructions ignored...

How do you handle the fact that a parent can't even follow a simple request as "please call me to make an appointment". Instead the client just keeps emailing me for an interview and we can't seem to get a date that works. I don't want to have the potential client over until I have had a quick "screen" call. There are so many things you can quickly learn about people to see if they are a good match. (like the potential client I talked to yesterday - I love her already and really hope we can work together! :) ) Should I re-email and request again that she call to make an appointment or request her phone #? grr...

I have had this happen quite a few times. I will re-request that they call once after the initial request...if they continue to email, I ignore the emails and if they do not call I forget about them. I don't want a client who cannot even follow a very basic policy of mine right from the beginning. Like you, I also require that they call to set up an interview and so that we can have a quick pre-screening chat.

So many people use their phones and transfer info from emails to their calendar and shift stuff around and yes I prefer to have things in writing from an email so there is no misunderstandings.

Make sure you are saying why you need a phone call and just give her a time. Please call me this evening between 6 - 9 so that we can chat about the basics of care. In fairness to the parent she just assumes she needs to interview and everything will be hashed out then. Getting private phone time is not always easy with kids and one of the reasons I won't take screening calls during the daytime - well that is what night time is like for many families.

If she insists on emails you can list the important screening questions like a questionnaire to be filled out making your last question preferred interview days and times.

There is a fine line between getting parents to follow our rules and making our rules so rigid we miss out. All families do things differently for different reasons. Letting the parent know why you have your rules would go a long way. She may not realize how important it is to you and this day and age of texting she feels email is fine - besides on a cell phone a call will cost her air minutes so she may be keeping them brief not a long conversation so prefers the free air time of emails and text and who can blame her. Not everyone has a land line these days.

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Originally Posted by FunnyFarm

1).......a parent can't even follow a simple request.........

2)(like the potential client I talked to yesterday - I love her already and really hope we can work together! :)

3)Should I re-email and request again that she call to make an appointment or request her phone #? grr...

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1) Look at your own words, can't follow a simple request, do you want that client?

2) Good luck with the family that sounds promising

3) Don't chase clients, sometimes you get one email, send a response and never hear from them again.


It's hard to be patient, interviewing is the part of the job I hate the most so I feel your pain, but you have to kiss all the frogs to find the right family sometimes!

I so agree Momof4! I love people, but really hate having to turn people away because I feel like I am being mean (and I get nervous in case I can't fill a spot!). But an empty spot is probably better than a bad apple! I'm currently counting down to the start of school due to a mean child in my care. Granted she is 4 years old and all my others are under 2 so she is likely board, but I will be glad when she is gone and all my newbies will hopefully be around the same age ;) Thankfully her family is on board with discipline and corrective measures, but my days are so stressful when she is here.

I must admit, I totally agree with Playfelt. I am one of those people who has little time during the day for phone calls, & prefers everything in writing (email) so I have that little reminder down the road of what has been discussed. I'm thinking your future client doesn't mean to be disrespectful. Perhaps, as Playfelt suggested, some up front things could be discussed via email, ending with the phone chat that is important to you. Good luck in filling your spots.

I have had parents send me a list of questions and I just change the font colour and apply under each one and send the email back.

I actually prefer to communicate with potential clients through e-mail for screening. If I am not getting all the information I need I ask for their number and call them. I had one family that sent me a questionnaire through email. I replied with all the answers and they came just for a short interview (maybe less than 20 min). They were a great family. Picking up earlier, paying with post dated checks, etc. I prefer to spend my afternoons and weekends with my family or getting things done than getting chased or chasing potential clients through phone calls. With emails parents and I can communicate when we have the time.

Ok, so I followed up with a very detailed email about what I expect and what my policies are with a list of available dates for an interview. I get a response - "I guess you aren't what we were looking for". :cursing:grr.... I think I already knew this wasn't a client I wanted right from the get go, but I like to try and give the benefit of the doubt some times.... ;)

Yeah...teh failure to follow your basic request to call would be a red flag to me. I once followed through with an interview for a parent like this. It took me several emails back and forth to get her to actually call me (and I debated not pursuing it because of this). Then after the interview she called and wanted to negotiate my contract...she didn't think I should have paid vacation days, stats etc since she is self-employed as well and doesn't get these. Finally I decided to fill the spot with the other family I had interviewed...I don't want to have to work so hard to establis basic communication and I don't want someone coming in and trying to change my policies on me.

I use email a lot as well, but don't like to invite someone into my home who I haven't actually talked to over the phone. It just seems unsafe as through email I have no idea who these people really are. Plus, over the phone I am able to get a feel for the family and things come up in conversation that don't come up in an email...sometimes these things are deal breakers and i can save myself the time of inviting them for an interview (ex. food sensitivies that I cannot accommodate, etc).