I agree with a lot of the above. I quickly became very choosy with who I accept and what to look out for.

Older children: they need to be present so I can see how they act and how parent's 'parent'. Of course, take it with a grain of salt b/c they are in someone else's home, but ime, what you see is what you get.

Younger children: I always ask their expectations, fears about placing their child in care, home routine, etc. This is a pretty good indicator for me as to whether or not their child will do well in group care.

First time parents: So hard in this field as most of my parents are first timers, many of whom don't have a lot of experience with children outside of their own child. I do appreciate my more experienced parents, for sure.

Interview/pre-interview: Asking questions about policies and trying to negotiate them after I tell them that they are non-negotiable; rescheduling or being late to interviews; asking if I will do ec with their child while at daycare (I've had this request more times than I can count); changing the hours that they need care after they get to the interview (usually extending them); asking about being late for pick ups before I get to that policy in the interview; I could go on and on.