Omg! I Lied....I Didn’t Know What Else To Do!!!!

[countrymom]

I never talk about what I use the money for, but when she says she needs the money for a mortgage payment that would scare me that she just doesn't care about kids and that its all about money.

[cheerfuldom]

I definitely agree about the confidentiality thing. I would have tried to say it without lying, but I know how hard it is when you are put on the spot.

As for the rest - her asking why she isn't doing better - I'd be honest with her. Maybe she is sincere! You said she's nice. Why don't you help her? Give her some suggestions, some free advice. You can always say "it's just my opinion, but...."

Someone here in daycare has been VERY helpful for me. I was out of daycare for many years and so much has changed!!! It is so nice to have someone who is honest and will give you honest answers and suggestions! So refreshing! You could be that person for her!

I guess people are posting before reading all the updates.....the bolded is exactly what I did do! I stood in her garage for over 30 minutes last night talking to her and offering ideas and suggestions and she really didnt want anything but sympathy. I tried and did what I could do but I am not going to feel guilty that I am not handing over huge amounts of information and resources to a person that is not open to it.

Here is almost exactly how our discussions went....

Her: I cant seem to get any new kids
Me: well, are you sure your rates and services are in line with what your competition is offering?
Her: I know my rates are high but I am not going down any lower. I am also not offering anything more to these parents (scowl)
Me: well....what about advertising more? are you sure you are getting your name out where parents can see it? providing plenty of info and pictures about your daycare?
Her: I dont do the internet. I do one ad on CL but its too much trouble to figure out how to ad pictures. I'm not paying to advertise anywhere else.
Me: (changing the subject) I saw your playroom as we walked through the house. It looks really cute but maybe parents are turned off by the small room. Are you able to open up more space for daycare use? I know a lot of the parents I interview love the idea of a lot of play space, both indoors and out.
Her: I'm not using anymore of my house for daycare. I try to keep the kids all confined to one small area to keep them from getting into my things.

and on and on and on....trust me girls, I am a nice person that is trying to help. she was having none of it. She is a single lady that lives alone in a good sized house so its not like there wasnt more room that could have been used. She wasnt even using a bedroom as a playroom, it was a enclosed formal dining room that probably seats a table with four chairs normally....not very big at all and honestly, I am surprised she got any families with her super high rate and tiny, tiny daycare space.

[Sprouts]

Well just keep in contact so when she decides childcare is obviously not for her you can then buy all her stuff for cheap!!!

[MyAngels]

It sounds to me like she has no business in the child care field in the first place, and her attitude and lack of business sense will drive her out of business soon enough (hopefully). This would be a good thing, IMHO.

[Countrygal]

I guess people are posting before reading all the updates.....the bolded is exactly what I did do! I stood in her garage for over 30 minutes last night talking to her and offering ideas and suggestions and she really didnt want anything but sympathy. I tried and did what I could do but I am not going to feel guilty that I am not handing over huge amounts of information and resources to a person that is not open to it.

Here is almost exactly how our discussions went....

Her: I cant seem to get any new kids
Me: well, are you sure your rates and services are in line with what your competition is offering?
Her: I know my rates are high but I am not going down any lower. I am also not offering anything more to these parents (scowl)
Me: well....what about advertising more? are you sure you are getting your name out where parents can see it? providing plenty of info and pictures about your daycare?
Her: I dont do the internet. I do one ad on CL but its too much trouble to figure out how to ad pictures. I'm not paying to advertise anywhere else.
Me: (changing the subject) I saw your playroom as we walked through the house. It looks really cute but maybe parents are turned off by the small room. Are you able to open up more space for daycare use? I know a lot of the parents I interview love the idea of a lot of play space, both indoors and out.
Her: I'm not using anymore of my house for daycare. I try to keep the kids all confined to one small area to keep them from getting into my things.

and on and on and on....trust me girls, I am a nice person that is trying to help. she was having none of it. She is a single lady that lives alone in a good sized house so its not like there wasnt more room that could have been used. She wasnt even using a bedroom as a playroom, it was a enclosed formal dining room that probably seats a table with four chairs normally....not very big at all and honestly, I am surprised she got any families with her super high rate and tiny, tiny daycare space.

I apologize, and yes, I posted to the OP without looking at all of the posts. I just didn't have time to read them all. Sorry if my suggestion offended you, it was well intended. Some people are definitely not open to constructive help. You tried.