First Interview

[kidlove]

perfect advice from the girls, ALWAYS let them know NO MATTER WHAT, you will give them a call or email and let them know within x amount of days. NEVER agree on day of visit. Just gives you time to think things through and replay the visit in your head, not to mention...gives you a way out if the kids are terrble or the parent seems not a good fit for you.
I always like to go over my contracts before hand so I can remember the key points I would like to address, such as payment amount and when payment is due. 24 hour notice for days off and such. I make mistakes just about every time I interview as far as remembering to talk about certain things. I have had pushy parents that begin talking about when the child starts and before you know it you have a kid in care you dont feel you agreed to but got STUCK in a spot because you werent clear enough with the parent in the beginning.
MOST IMPORTANTLY though: make sure the family is a good fit for you, if not... say thankyou and move on. Good Luck

[colleend]

Thanks everyone! The child is not coming to this one as we will see how it goes first

[Mamma_Mia]

Thanks everyone! The child is not coming to this one as we will see how it goes first

I insist that the mom, baby and dad (if he's in the picture) to come to the first meeting. I don't want to like the family and then meet the baby on visit 2 and he/she's a terror! and I like to have time to see how the parents act with the child there and towards the child. All signs to look at.

[Sandbox Sally]

I insist that the mom, baby and dad (if he's in the picture) to come to the first meeting. I don't want to like the family and then meet the baby on visit 2 and he/she's a terror! and I like to have time to see how the parents act with the child there and towards the child. All signs to look at.

I agree. I always insist that the child come to the meeting. I only have the ONE meeting.

[michellesmunchkins]

I agree. I always insist that the child come to the meeting. I only have the ONE meeting.

This is me too, interviews take up too much time to be doing multiple ones for the same family!

[kidlove]

i agree with mamma-mia: you HAVE to meet the child, what if you like the parents and the kid is a terror. I'd rather meet at the same time that way it s not so heart breaking for you,