What would you do..?

[mickyc]

Do what's right for YOU and your family.
Yes, we want to be "nice" and accommodating. But where does nice get you when you let them call the shots and you're left struggling to fill the spots later on?

All the power to the people who can afford to be nice. I just prefer looking out for my business, my finances, and my family's well being.... because nobody else will.

I think you are referring to my post. I cannot afford to be nice but in this business a good reputation goes a long way especially in a smaller community. I for one would never advertise unless I had a set date from mom on when they are leaving. I have never had to go through this as I only interview for open spots not potential spots. I am busy and don't waste time meeting with parents unnecessarily. I treat people as I would like to be treated. I would never get rid of a family just because someone better came along. I would get a date from mom and then interview for that start date. I know a lot of families don't give their providers the same curtesy but that is just how I am as a person.

[Snowmom]

I think you are referring to my post. I cannot afford to be nice but in this business a good reputation goes a long way especially in a smaller community. I for one would never advertise unless I had a set date from mom on when they are leaving. I have never had to go through this as I only interview for open spots not potential spots. I am busy and don't waste time meeting with parents unnecessarily. I treat people as I would like to be treated. I would never get rid of a family just because someone better came along. I would get a date from mom and then interview for that start date. I know a lot of families don't give their providers the same curtesy but that is just how I am as a person.

I'm not specifically referring to anyone.
If it works for you, that's great.
I certainly don't mean to come across harsh, but I personally just feel that no parents are going to look out for your best interest as a provider/business. Providers in general are the "nice" people. We want to be accommodating. We want to make everyone happy.
In my opinion, you need to do what's best for YOU.
If waiting for the parents to decide when their departure time will be is not going to impact you financially, and it's something you want to do, then all power to you.
If it WILL impact you financially to have an empty space while waiting to find someone else (when you potentially could have had ZERO lead time between filling spaces) then why would that make sense to do?
Just because it benefits the family that's leaving?

I understand being courteous. I'm not suggesting wording a termination in a rude or disrespectful way. I'm am suggesting that if opportunity arises to fill a space with someone you feel is the right fit...fill it.

If a parent is going to bad mouth a provider for looking out for his/her best interest, then I think that says more about the parent than the provider.