Seen Any Craiglist PICS That Have Made You Cringe Lately?

[Angelsj]

I ran across one that when she was holding the kids, or the kids were playing in the yard, they were smiling and she seemed nice enough. Had a huge yard, fenced, with NOTHING in it. No toys, no swings, no balls, NOTHING. Just grass.

Inside, a beautiful crib, lovely new PNP and a rocking chair, and what looked like bed for older kids. Again, no toys. Nothing, zip, nada. Weird.

And yes, the spelling errors were rife. Looking for the prefect child care?? sigh

[Starburst]

When I saw this I thought wow! that's one thing I haven't seen here at least...

Until today! I ran across one in my area that has 2 kids sitting at table filled with candy (think snickers, kitkat, PB cups, and more!!) & chocolate rings around their mouths... I really hope those are old Halloween photos (no one was dressed up in the photos) but either way I wouldn't use them

I think it's because some people think it's cute when kids are posing funny, shoveling food in their mouths, have food on their face/clothes, dirty/messy hair, watching TV (looking like zombies), and naked/shirtless or only in undies/diapers (as some of the other posters mentioned), and the providers probably think it will attract more clients with funny pictures of cute kids but that they don't think to put aside some of their "humor" to look more like a presentable business owner (or they just don't realize it). I am not saying they can't use a little bit of humor when advertising, but common sense (i.e. parent's don't want their kid eating junk food or watching TV all day) would be nice.

Though, as a thought for the pictures of "dirty" kids, (I haven't seen the picture so not sure) but at the co-op preschool I am doing my student teaching at they are very Reggio and nature inspired as well as play based (and faith-based)- they even have a "Mud Kitchen". The kids there do get dirty, but it is in the parent handbook and parents know not to dress their kids in their nicest clothes but I think the parents actually like that about the school (especially because it's a co-op and parental involvement is mandatory). So in their defense, they could have a similar structure/ style/ method of teaching. So, in that aspect, I wouldn't judge a book by its cover.

[AcornMama]

I really hope those are old Halloween photos (no one was dressed up in the photos) but either way I wouldn't use them

I know! I'm certainly not opposed to chocolate, for myself and my family. but it's totally against regulations for me to give it dcks. Our rules regarding food specifically say that non-nutritious food like chips, cake, candy, and "some cookies" are not allowed except for special occasions. I certainly wouldn't feature that as the one and only picture to represent what I offer as child care.

But you can bet I'll be baking some homemade whole wheat oatmeal raisin cookies to share with my dcks every now and then.

[AcornMama]

I think it's because some people think it's cute when kids are posing funny, shoveling food in their mouths, have food on their face/clothes, dirty/messy hair, watching TV (looking like zombies), and naked/shirtless or only in undies/diapers (as some of the other posters mentioned), and the providers probably think it will attract more clients with funny pictures of cute kids...

I think you're probably right but it's definitely wrong in terms of marketing. Yes, kids get messy. Sometimes they get food on their clothes. Sometimes they wake up from a nap with crazy hair. But that's not what you feature as your prime representation of your child care.

Though, as a thought for the pictures of "dirty" kids, (I haven't seen the picture so not sure) but at the co-op preschool I am doing my student teaching at they are very Reggio and nature inspired as well as play based (and faith-based)- they even have a "Mud Kitchen". The kids there do get dirty, but it is in the parent handbook and parents know not to dress their kids in their nicest clothes but I think the parents actually like that about the school (especially because it's a co-op and parental involvement is mandatory). So in their defense, they could have a similar structure/ style/ method of teaching. So, in that aspect, I wouldn't judge a book by its cover.

I agree with you. Kids should have the freedom to play hard and get dirty. When we got our new play kitchen for the playroom, I moved our old one outside, and put out some old pots and pans with it. It's great! Leaf and moss soup stirred with a stick! But, as a business owner, if I were taking pictures of my dcks to advertise, I'd take them at the beginning of outdoor play, before getting messy. It's okay to put out the best representation of your childcare, not the end of the day, kids-a-mess-but-that's-reality version.

Really, it makes me think that these providers are not planning for business growth, but deciding late at night, hey, I'll put up an ad on Craigslist. I must have a picture of these kids somewhere. And they just use whatever. Maybe I'm being generous thinking of these providers as running a business.

And I'm pretty sure that I've seen some that couldn't possibly be their real dc pics.

[AcornMama]

Another thought...these kinds of CL ads are the reason I'm really debating with myself about whether or not I should advertise on CL. I have three spots I'd like to fill, I'm new, and I've put out the word in just about every other way. I'm kind of looking at CL as a last resort, and I don't know if that's smart or not. I just don't want to be lumped in with everyone else.

[Angelsj]

Another thought...these kinds of CL ads are the reason I'm really debating with myself about whether or not I should advertise on CL. I have three spots I'd like to fill, I'm new, and I've put out the word in just about every other way. I'm kind of looking at CL as a last resort, and I don't know if that's smart or not. I just don't want to be lumped in with everyone else.

I do throw a CL ad out there occasionally, but to be honest, I only ever got ONE call from it. And those folks were weird...
I have 3000 sq ft. It is a BIG house. A full floor is dedicated entirely to daycare, and the nursery and a second bathroom as well as a play space for older kids is upstairs. Basically, over 1600 sq feet is daycare available. Her complaint? She didn't feel her son (two year old) would have enough "room" as the space was too small. :confused: Really made me wonder what size house those people have ???

[Lyss]

I think it's because some people think it's cute when kids are posing funny, shoveling food in their mouths, have food on their face/clothes, dirty/messy hair, watching TV (looking like zombies), and naked/shirtless or only in undies/diapers (as some of the other posters mentioned), and the providers probably think it will attract more clients with funny pictures of cute kids but that they don't think to put aside some of their "humor" to look more like a presentable business owner (or they just don't realize it). I am not saying they can't use a little bit of humor when advertising, but common sense (i.e. parent's don't want their kid eating junk food or watching TV all day) would be nice.

The photo I was talking about was more a picture of the table full of candy with a messy kid in the background rather than the messy face even. Crop it out and say they we're baking but don't feature a table of 15+ candy bars in front of each kid IMO. I realize people think it's cute when kids get disheveled with food or crazy hair, heck I have photos of my DD looking those ways to embarrass her later ::, but I'd never advertise my business that way.

Though, as a thought for the pictures of "dirty" kids, (I haven't seen the picture so not sure) but at the co-op preschool I am doing my student teaching at they are very Reggio and nature inspired as well as play based (and faith-based)- they even have a "Mud Kitchen". The kids there do get dirty, but it is in the parent handbook and parents know not to dress their kids in their nicest clothes but I think the parents actually like that about the school (especially because it's a co-op and parental involvement is mandatory). So in their defense, they could have a similar structure/ style/ method of teaching. So, in that aspect, I wouldn't judge a book by its cover.

I do have pictures of the DCKs in messy play activities in my portfolio but its not what I lead with in my ads and there are always photos of what they are doing (ie playing in the mud kitchen, puddle jumping...) not just a picture of them a hour later still dirty, which doesn't happen. IMO there are two different types of dirty, dirty from playing and just plain dirty like a lack of cleanliness (food/crusty faces and hands, dirt not being cleaned off kids afterward kind of thing). Most Reggio/nature based programs are defined/labeled/advertised as such so parents expect to see kids getting dirty but most of the ads, as I'm understanding the posts, that people are referencing here are more along the lines of a lack of cleanliness not a Reggio approach.

Another thought...these kinds of CL ads are the reason I'm really debating with myself about whether or not I should advertise on CL. I have three spots I'd like to fill, I'm new, and I've put out the word in just about every other way. I'm kind of looking at CL as a last resort, and I don't know if that's smart or not. I just don't want to be lumped in with everyone else.

I wouldn't give it up completely. I've found all my families but one through CL. I will say for every iffy ad I see there are 2-3 better ones, ones I would possibly consider calling if I was looking for DD so there are quality programs to draw parents in (in my area anyway). I will say sometimes you have to wade through strange emails and spam, but you can find families

[Unregistered]

"FREE part time childcare for 1 child in my home in EXCHANGE for transportation to preschool at Altoona Elememtary's p.m session(12:30-3:30) Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri for 2 children.
I have done childcare for 4 years and have been a nanny for 4 years as well.
I am willing to do -
*Before and after care 7a-school time and after care until 5:15, Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri.
Or
*Full day wed and 1 before/after care day
Or
*Mon-fri before care from 7a.m
Or
*Mon-fri after care until 5:15

This would be ideal for someone with an Altoona Elementary preschooler or someone with a flexible schedule looking for part time childcare.
I am extremely reliable and am looking for someone else who is as well. We would have a meet and greet and exchange information etc....
Please email if interested!
Thanks!"

Not a picture but found this very interesting!!!

[MotherNature]

Well, right off the bat I found someone who is charging $50 a week. With multiple child discounts, open from 4 am- 6 pm..other hours available! She has 1-4 openings. Also says that she has 20 years experience w/ kids adn a perfect record w/our state. Ugh! My eldest is 20, so I guess I can say I have 20 years too, and I'm not registered and have never had any dealings w/ CPS, so I guess I have a perfect record too? But one third of what I charge? Wow..ridiculous. There were no pics, but I wish there were...
Also found a provider that has 3 under 2 and is looking for a fourth! If I remember correctly, Indiana only allows 2 under 2...
As for pics-
1. a pic supposed to focus on a baby on the floor for tummy time, but I notice the provider sitting on the couch with her cell phone in her hand, looking like she's texting.
2.Baby area apparently=kitchen, as I see 2 babies & 3 baby equipment. Also living room full of plastic bulky toys, and an empty box next to the kids. Just cluttered. She must have an assistant-not licensed, but has 2 first shift openings, one 2nd shift opening, and 1 3rd shift opening. If not, she apparently never sleeps or trades off w/ her spouse/partner.
3.Husband & wife laying on each other in the sand on a beach? Not a sexual pose, but why? That was the best pic they had to show what they looked like and then no others of the space? I do't hate well-done shots of what you look like, but at least show the space or some kids as well..
I suppose that's enough, just on the front page...

[melilley]

Another thought...these kinds of CL ads are the reason I'm really debating with myself about whether or not I should advertise on CL. I have three spots I'd like to fill, I'm new, and I've put out the word in just about every other way. I'm kind of looking at CL as a last resort, and I don't know if that's smart or not. I just don't want to be lumped in with everyone else.

This is true, but this is also where you can set yourself apart from the crummy dc's! I put an as on CL when I first opened (and just recently to fill a spot) and that's where I got all of my families from. It took almost 2 months, but I was full within 3 months.
From posts I have seen on here, in some areas people look at CL and in others, people don't.

[Starburst]

I think you're probably right but it's definitely wrong in terms of marketing. Yes, kids get messy. Sometimes they get food on their clothes. Sometimes they wake up from a nap with crazy hair. But that's not what you feature as your prime representation of your child care.

Really, it makes me think that these providers are not planning for business growth, but deciding late at night, hey, I'll put up an ad on Craigslist. I must have a picture of these kids somewhere. And they just use whatever. Maybe I'm being generous thinking of these providers as running a business.

I'm wasn't saying those were smart marketing methods. I just trying to understand what they are probably thinking and how they probably justify it in their minds, even though it pretty much goes against common sense. I wasn't trying to defend them or say that I agree with their unorthodox marketing techniques. I'm kinda weird, I like to try to get into people's minds, look at things for different angles, and cover all my bases as much as possible.

[AcornMama]

I'm wasn't saying those were smart marketing methods. I just trying to understand what they are probably thinking and how they probably justify it in their minds, even though it pretty much goes against common sense. I wasn't trying to defend them or say that I agree with their unorthodox marketing techniques. I'm kinda weird, I like to try to get into people's minds, look at things for different angles, and cover all my bases as much as possible.

I'm sorry, Starburst, I was trying to agree with you. And then I got all wordy and it didn't go well. I understood you were hypothesizing on their thought process. I was just overly commenting on the wrongness of their thought process.

[Starburst]

I'm sorry, Starburst, I was trying to agree with you. And then I got all wordy and it didn't go well. I understood you were hypothesizing on their thought process. I was just overly commenting on the wrongness of their thought process.

I didn't mean it like I was offended, I just know there have been a few instances on here where others misunderstood my way of thinking and talking (or typing?) because sometimes I explain things too much before I get to the point, so I try to be clearer and shorten things up (kinda like I'm doing now :confused:). No harm done.