I have had a few situations like this and besides the ones where the caregiver they had lined up bailed at the last minute the others have been more wishful thinkers. What I mean is they had just assumed that grandma would take the child and even though she had said no many times figured when it came right down to the wire she would change her mind and then when she didn't they had to scramble to find care.

In denial is for sure one of the reasons. The other one I have had is that they had visited a few places and were scared off by the holding fees and decided since it always seemed like there were places available that they would wait and save themselves some money since it is tight during mat leave.

But most in this case started about a month in advance to look. Which they may have done but have not found what they are looking for. For sure there is a chance they are being too picky or misunderstood how long it would take since you can only see about one place an evening maybe 2 and not all caregivers are free every night due to their own families so should have allowed more time. For sure worth interviewing but asking lots of how did we get to this point type of questions.

The biggest question is what are their plans long term for their child. I think the biggest reason I have found for last minute requests is that they are on the wait list for a daycare centre and as they reach the last month/two week point panic and look for alternate care. The problem is that as soon as an opening comes at the daycare of their choice you for sure is likely lose the child since centre care is their first desire.