Not that it helps right now but the longer you are in business the more families there are out there that can spread a positive word for you either because they have been in your daycare or because their friend was and raved about her caregiver.

It is hard to take the high road though. Sometimes we need to turn negatives around and use them such as mentioning your husband's job as a drama teacher and therefore pretend and make believe and an introduction to drama are part of your program. If it is something your own children enjoy with him then I'm sure it translates over into their imaginations in play.

Also being ready with some responses such as when annoying mom stepped in saying something like just because they have been in business longer doesn't mean their program is better it just means it is older and then turn to the parent and hand them your card. Try not to be intimidated by the woman - I know easier said than done but that is also part of coming off sounding and looking professional being able to take back control of the situation. All of the talk about bullying going around these days is aimed at empowering the victims to not take it and really that is the only word to describe this mom. I am the type that would probably call her on it sometime and use the exact word - does it really help your ego to play the part of the bully of the playground/school yard parents or something to that effect and see what she does. On the other hand a true bully would just escalate the rumours but at least you would know who they are coming from and in time so will others as her negative reputation will become well known.