You Again

[Alwaysgreener]

Gotta love the parents that call you repeatedly. I don't mean all at once but more yearly or every time they have another child.

I have a dcm that contacted me in 2021 but started asking for specials for her newborn. Then for her toddler, was talking like the spots were hers automatically. I don't remember all that happened but her constant messages got overwhelming and annoying. So I told the spot was no longer available.

The following summer she posted online needing care for her 5 year old again with specials. She contacted me and I said she was to old for my current group.

She contacted me again this year but only needing care for her baby, now 3. Should I make an excuse or see what she says?

[e.j.]

My first thought was to tell you that nothing has probably changed, and she'll probably annoy you now as much as she did in the past. People do change, though, and parents sometimes mellow with experience and additional kids. If you need to fill your spot, it probably wouldn't hurt to hear her out. Just be prepared to give her another "no" if she still wants more than you're prepared to offer her.

[Alwaysgreener]

My first thought was to tell you that nothing has probably changed, and she'll probably annoy you now as much as she did in the past. People do change, though, and parents sometimes mellow with experience and additional kids. If you need to fill your spot, it probably wouldn't hurt to hear her out. Just be prepared to give her another "no" if she still wants more than you're prepared to offer her.

That is what I was thinking, she may not be as annoying or demanding specials. Plus she only needs two days a week.

[Amy71452]

I'd offer a short term trial, word it as seeing if the child settles. Then if it isn't working for you can say and stop. I had a nightmare child and then with space against my judgement took on his younger sister. But the parents and child were both much better and was happy I hadn't left an empty space.

[Blackcat31]

I’d want to know if she remembers contacting you previously. Also curious what/who she’s been using for care now and why she needs new or different care every year? I hate daycare hoppers…

[Alwaysgreener]

She addressed me in the text as nickname and not by my legal name. So I think she remembers me.

My guess on why she needs care this time is because she enrolled child in preschool and needs care on other days.

The first time she called they were moving back home from out of state.

The second time her older that did not nap was aged out of current care. But she gave the reason that her daughter was bored.

She wanted to meet me tonight but I am meeting another family so I said sorry can't. She's asking for tomorrow night and I am debating.

[Alwaysgreener]

Flag - She wanted to meet with me and I offered to come tonight, but she never responded to the text.

[Alwaysgreener]

Follow up...

I agreed to meet with her on Thursday. She did not respond until Monday and told me they were at the older kids' game and out of town now.
I responded today with "I hope she won"
I have not heard anything since.

[e.j.]

The delay in responding would drive me a little crazy but maybe she's just that busy? Good luck tomorrow!