Good Friday morning everybody, I wanted to get some feedback (constructive) from other provider's about a position that I am in. Recently, two spaces became available (on very short notice) in my home daycare. The Mum lost her job, and in addition to withdrawing her daughter from my care, she has also had to back out of our new agreement (I was going to care for her youngest one when she went back to work after mat leave) *Huge sigh here* BUT I get it - these things happen, it's no one's fault - back I go to advertising, and interviewing with new families. So, I have this one family who said "Yes" that I just don't have a good "feel" about. Mum is currently on mat leave (her daughter would start up in August) and has no intention of returning to her previous job. She totally hated it. However, she does not have a "new" job lined up. She's prepared to sign my contract, and she's paying the deposit in cash. My problem ? I'm worried that I'm going to get a note in July/August saying something to the effect of "Gee - I still haven't been able to find work, so I guess Johny won't be coming to daycare" The space is already going to be empty for four months - which costs me a few thousand dollars - I really don't want to start looking for a new family in August - who will likely be looking to start care in November/December and have lost close to eight or nine grand. So here's what I'm doing - and what I would like your feedback on: I'm meeting with three other families this weekend. Hopefully one of them likes me and my program and chooses me as their child's caregiver. If they do, and assuming that they have a more "normal" situation (i.e. they know which position/employer they are returning to) who would you choose ? I have never done something like this before, but let's just say that this isn't my first rodeo, and while I don't like the idea of toying with parents I like the idea of me being left to swing in the breeze financially even less. Provided that I give the rejected family ample time to find another caregiver, and I wouldn't cash anyone's deposit cheque until I'm sure of which one I'm going with, is this a truly terrible thing to do or a necessary part of looking out for my own best interests ?