Need Help Wording To Parent That I Won't Be Able To Provide Care After All

[TaylorTots]

Also their signed contract they did not put a start date at all... if that matters for those of you guys who are upset about us signing a contract. Not sure if that matters to you though :/

I have come so far in 2 months in terms of getting contracts to be written well and signed with all information etc. I have the only copy of the contract too. Again, not that it matters at all.

[TaylorTots]

From my perspective, although being a child care provider is a different type of business, we as a whole are often looked at as "less professional" than other businesses. I think it is important as a group that we work to change that perspective. Personally, I don't think Facebook is an appropriate form of communicating this message. I would just call them up on the phone. Maybe down the road when their baby is 8 months old they may be in a situation where they need care.

Most new parents have friends that are new parents. Think about how that mom will show all of her friends that she was broken up by her provider by Facebook. Reputation is crucial in business.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this story- we had company over the Christmas holiday and we reserved a van to hold everyone. When we went to go pick it up they said they no longer had a van. I was livid- why take a reservation if you can't fulfill it? They ended up renting us 2 cars (and then charged us for more than the van was!), it was just a mess. I gave them a horrible Yelp review and told all of my friends along with anyone who would listen to me about the awful service we received. Holding a spot in your daycare is like a reservation. If you have second thoughts, BEFORE filling that spot I would recommend trying to be honest with the new parent letting her know of your concerns.

Everything is a learning experience and infants are hard. I know I just had a new DCG start a few weeks ago and it has been an adjustment. It's not for everyone. I like it because I can train them, they don't come with bad habits and I will have that baby for at least 3 years.

Good luck! I hope they are understanding!

However, if they were unable to provide you a van - regardless of why and they gave you 3 months advance notice and you were not out any money, I would assume you would have the opportunity to look for another van. I am trying to do the right thing here - I really am. I need to fix this error. Obviously I am learning a lot from it as well

[Lucy]

Only speaking for myself, I have NO problem with the 'contract' portion of it.

I have NO problem with the 'changing your mind' portion of it.

I have NO problem with the 'terminating your agreement to care' portion of it.

My only issue was telling her on Facebook. From their perspective, if I got a message that the lady whom I thought was going to care for my newborn had changed her mind and now I have to go find a new lady, and that message came on FACEBOOK, I'd really think this was not a professional method.

That was my only issue with the whole thing. As others mentioned, we have to think about not burning bridges. She's a potential referral for you down the road. She can affect your reputation in the area if she badmouths you. I ALWAYS have those things in mind in my dealings with present, past, and potential future clients.

I'm just saying that a phone call followed by a formal letter mailed to her house is the professional way to go about it.

I hope your feelings weren't hurt by any of us. :hug:

[TaylorTots]

Oh you guys didn't hurt my feelings...I just feel bad and guilty at my error. I will call her and send a letter, that's one of the reasons I asked in the op.. thank you

[spinnymarie]

Things do change, and I think you are right in calling her and telling her you've decided that infant care will not be the best fit for your business. I'm sure she will probably be slightly annoyed, but overall I'd think that it would be fine - as you said she isn't out anything but time and probably some peace of mind.

[childcaremom]

I'm just saying that a phone call followed by a formal letter mailed to her house is the professional way to go about it.

I think there is nothing wrong with realizing this now, and it's def. better than later. 3 months is a lot of time for her to have to be looking for a replacement spot.

[Play Care]

I want to clarify that my main issue was terming through Facebook as they did have a signed contract. To me *that* would be unprofessional. I don't see a problem with letting a family know, on the phone and in writing that due to unforeseen circumstances you won't be able to take their child - I DO believe in sounding really apologetic and sorry about it (even if inside you feel like happyfacehappyfacehappyfacehappyface ) because that can go a long way to soothe any ruffled feathers.