How would you word this?

[Inspired by Reggio]

So tough to find just the right wording; "I'd like to thank you so much for your interest in my daycare. However at this time I am interviewing for full time spaces only. Should you require full time care in the future feel free to contact me and we can discuss further. Otherwise I wish you well in your search."

I think this is perfect and polite ... if it is true ~ are you indeed willing to have them contact you in the future for full time care since mom is waffling on what they need while dad looks for work?

I definitely agree with Kidlove in that you are not obligated to take on every client who shows interest in your business ... and their behavior is all RED FLAG issues that your gut should listen to ... they are all signs of 'disrespect' towards you and your time ... forgetting the first interview, showing up LATE for the second interview, telling you one thing to GET the interview and than trying to change the commitment afterward ... all things that would get them a 'thanks but no thanks' from me as well!

When I have a space and someone is just not a match for it even if I do not have anyone else lined up or interest I just state 'thank you for your interest in the program however at this time I have opted to go another route' and leave it at that ... because that is still the TRUTH and if they assume that means I filled the spot than that is their prerogative ... another route could mean so many things ... like I just want full time or shorter hours, it could mean I decided I want an older or younger child as a better match, it could mean I decide I just want to 'sit' on the spot a bit longer rather than fill it right away ... but ultimately it means that I am heading in a different direction away from serving them and I do not want to be specific about that reason in case they try to call back and say 'ok we can XYZ instead' and than I am stuck with having to come right and say 'sorry I was trying to be polite before but I just do not want to serve you regardless' ... cause that would be ackward

[JennJubie]

When I have a space and someone is just not a match for it even if I do not have anyone else lined up or interest I just state 'thank you for your interest in the program however at this time I have opted to go another route' and leave it at that ... because that is still the TRUTH and if they assume that means I filled the spot than that is their prerogative ... another route could mean so many things ... like I just want full time or shorter hours, it could mean I decided I want an older or younger child as a better match, it could mean I decide I just want to 'sit' on the spot a bit longer rather than fill it right away ... but ultimately it means that I am heading in a different direction away from serving them and I do not want to be specific about that reason in case they try to call back and say 'ok we can XYZ instead' and than I am stuck with having to come right and say 'sorry I was trying to be polite before but I just do not want to serve you regardless' ... cause that would be ackward

I think I like this best, because quite frankly, I still do not want to take them on even if they want full time in the future. It's true, forgetting the first meeting, and then showing up late to the second one was disrespectful, and seeing as how I agreed to meet them in the evening, two nights they set me back for dinner and bed times with my own children. I feel that if they show that much disrespect before even obtaining a spot, how much will they show me if I take them on?

[Spixie33]

I agree with reggio. Don't use the line about only having full time space or,else,they may reply that they will do full time in order to guarantee,the spot,and,then you will be in a real pickle and have to find a different excuse.

I would tell them that you have chosen to go a different route or else tell then that "unfortunately I no longer have that spot available for you but thank you for your interest and I wish you well in your daycare,search. It was nice meeting you and your beautiful family"

[JennJubie]

Done and done. Thanks so much for all the advice ladies! I did not say that I couldn't take them on because of the part time hours, I left it short, sweet and vague.

[mom-in-alberta]

Atta girl on listening to your instincts!!

[sunnydays]

Thanks for this thread It is something I have struggled with as well...how to word it when I just don't want to take a family on because I don't feel they are a good fit. I really like Reggio's vague line...may have to use that one in the future. Even though I always warn families that I am interviewing several families for one spot and looking for the best fit...I find it hard to actually tell them I didn't choose them.