I agree with what the other ladies here have had to say DeeDee. I learned a long time ago that interviews done during daycare hours never seemed to result in a new client. What I do now, is I explain to prospective clients that "I am unable to meet with you during the day as my focus needs to be on the children". I then offer to meet with them during an evening that works with their schedule. Once a parent has chosen me as their child's caregiver, I don't mind if they want to bring their little one over for a chance to meet the rest of the group. However, I prefer it if the parents leave their child for this meeting. When Mom or Dad are still on site I find that the children do not behave the same way that they will when I am caring for them. I tell the parents that the child needs a chance to learn that I can offer comfort, or feed them, or show them a good time. If the baby/child has a choice between me and Mum of course they're going to choose Mum - I wouldn't want it any other way !

Another thing that I wish parents would realize is that while I (and other caregivers) make every effort to keep turnover low, there is simply no point in falling in love with the group, because a child could leave my care next week (i.e. maternity leave, job loss, parents decide to save a few bucks and move to Gramma-Care) Parents - choose your daycare based on the provider ! She is going to be the long term fixture in your child's life - not the other children. I see this all the time where parents choose a caregiver because there's another child there who is "just the same age as Baby X" I even had one family choose a caregiver because she wanted her son to have other little boys to play with. (she actually called me back two months after our initial interview looking to place her son in my care because the boys at the other caregivers left three weeks after her son started up)

In regards to the two little boys who are making a poor impression - you mentioned that they are your nephews - is there any chance that you could explain to their Mum what is happening, and perhaps she could arrange to keep them home on days when you're meeting with potential clients ? My youngest daughter went through a stage where she was a holy terror when there were other adults around. It was humiliating. I felt like a totally incompetant parent. When I was interviewing prospective families (and even when I was signing contracts etc) my husband took some time off work/came home early from work and took her away - to the park, to the mall - anywhere but here. Yes, he complained a bit at first. When I pointed out that each client she "lost" for me was worth a thousand a month he changed his tune.