How to turn down a client in a phone interview

[playfelt]

Sometimes you can learn things from finding out what their support system is like. If they are relying on their parents or grandparents for support then they are more likely to accept more "old fashion" for lack of a better word methods. If they say they are new to the area and the only support they have is the other mommies they met at prenatal classes who now get together and share baby skills then be fearful, lol. On the other hand it can also be a good source for word of mouth in getting future kids. I do find that those that rely on books, what they hear on tv, etc. are harder to deal with since current child rearing methods are not in sync with daycare.

I find parents ask me a lot about discipline and I have to explain that each child is different and how I approach it and that also gives me the opportunity to remind them that they are setting the stage now long before I get the child as to how that child is learning to behave.

I would ask them what it is they are looking for in daycare - are they interested in play and hugs, do they want a caregiver that takes the kids out into the community constantly, playgroups, museums, etc. or one that stays home. Do they worry about whether there will be enough academic learning in home care as in are they planning to move the child to a daycare centre as soon as they are old enough ( which can be 18 months).

I find when I get a baby that things go a lot better than getting an older child. That child was removed from other situations for a reason. With a baby part of my job is to coach the parents as we go along and often I can get my way.

Watch for how they treat you in the sense of interrupting when you are speaking, skirting the question, etc. which will tell you a lot about the parents and how the child might be down the road.