A Parent Influencing My Other Parents
Sorry for the length of this, as if u have time to read it all, but a situation happened to me previously when I wasn't part of this forum (I could have used advice then) and it still bothers me - plus I may be dealing with this parent in future as she just had her 3rd child who may come to my dc next year if mom returns to work:
I was looking after her 2 kids, ages 3 and 12 months, and all was well -I had her older one since infant; the mother was very happy with my care and she was a no problem client. However, she decided to enroll her 3 year old in a Montessori -style bilingual dc (not the official school but a home dc). I was sad to see her daughter eventually leave, but I know these things happen. I kept looking after both her kids until the Montessori started and then the older left. However prior to that program starting, the the mom asked me if I’d mind if she contacted the other parents in my dc to let them know about this wonderful other dc/program for preschool age so her daughter wouldn't have to start there alone. I told her that I really enjoy my job, but I do run a business and I felt like there was some kind of conflict of interest. I told that ultimately it felt like she was possibly taking away kids I had formed strong bonds with, and business away from me. I said I couldn't control whether or not she contacted the other parents, so I left it up to her, but told her I’d be sad to lose any more of my dcks. She said she understood but felt torn between loyalty to me and her desire for her daughter not to start alone. I had to be careful because I still had her younger one with me with great hours/fairly easy.
She went ahead and contacted the other parents after all, to try and persuade someone to join her daughter. Lucky for me, no other family moved their child. Anyway, her 2nd child was with me until last week as mother is keeping her home while on mat leave(she gave me long notice). She said if she goes back to work next year, she’d only like me to look after her infant (till he’s old enough to go to the ‘other dc’). I've been trying to fill the spot and she said I could use her as a reference. My gut feeling is to not use her as a reference because I feel like she could tell other prospective clients about this other dc… am I being paranoid/selfish? I have plenty of other great references. Also, if she wants to enroll next year, should I? She’s really not a bad lady, but I feel like I’d rather have parents that didn't influence others parents to leave. Thanks for reading!