Has This Ever Happened to You... Interviewing A New Client

[daycarediva]

Simply for safety reasons I wouldn’t open my door and welcome in a stranger for tour and interview. I would be friendly and professional and offer to schedule a time to do a sit down meeting.

Yep, same.

Before it was quite obvious I ran a daycare, and it happened regularly.

[Country Kids]

I live in a smaller community also but wouldn't let anyone I don't know without a scheduled interview just come in my home. I usually schedule interviews when my hubby is home but he's in another room, out of sight.

1996, we had a kidnapping from a childcare a couple hours north of us. The lady opened the door, a guy came in assulted her pretty bad, then kidnapped one of the little girls (she was 7) from the childcare.

There was a huge police chase down the interstate and about 1/2 hour north of us, they had a sharp shooter have to take the car out and I believe him also. The little girl was totally fine, just very, very shaken up. Every time we pass that spot I think of that little girl. I also think of the sharp shooter as we knew him and his wife and I'm can't imagine the pressure on him that day.

So if I don't don't know you, I'm not opening the door.

[kendallina]

Yes, it was a neighbor several houses away. I didn't know them prior. I politely and professionally handed them my card and they contacted me later for a tour. They enrolled and were a great family. It definitely struck me as strange and I could have invited them in, but just didn't really want to as I never do tours with kids present. Hopefully they work out for you!

[Pandaluver21]

One family I had stop by for an "interview" I just talked to at the door. She ended up telling me she thought my house was an ancient burial ground, asked me if I needed paperwork for her restraining order against the kids dad, and said she like that she would be able to just stop by because she was so close. ::

[CityGarden]

I had that happen twice both times I had children present so no I do not give tours/ interviews at the point.

I either do tours after my program is over and the dcks have left for the day or I notify all families that we will be having a visitor to our program. This approach requires notice. I am debating putting a small sign that says tours by appointment only.

[Tigerlilly]

I had a pair of men show up with a child last week. Asked for a tour of the house. I politely declined and said I would schedule something with them. When he asked if he could come is he actually pushed the door open and started to come in. Who does that!

[HappyEverAfter]

I live in a smaller community also but wouldn't let anyone I don't know without a scheduled interview just come in my home. I usually schedule interviews when my hubby is home but he's in another room, out of sight.

1996, we had a kidnapping from a childcare a couple hours north of us. The lady opened the door, a guy came in assulted her pretty bad, then kidnapped one of the little girls (she was 7) from the childcare.

There was a huge police chase down the interstate and about 1/2 hour north of us, they had a sharp shooter have to take the car out and I believe him also. The little girl was totally fine, just very, very shaken up. Every time we pass that spot I think of that little girl. I also think of the sharp shooter as we knew him and his wife and I'm can't imagine the pressure on him that day.

So if I don't don't know you, I'm not opening the door.

This is exactly why I don’t open up for strangers. I’m not looking to star in a 48 Mystery or Dateline special!

[Country Kids]

This is exactly why I don’t open up for strangers. I’m not looking to star in a 48 Mystery or Dateline special!

It actually ended up on one of those shows a few years later.

[Country Kids]

:ee

I had a pair of men show up with a child last week. Asked for a tour of the house. I politely declined and said I would schedule something with them. When he asked if he could come is he actually pushed the door open and started to come in. Who does that!

Not worth opening up to people you don't know. To much craziness in the world!

[Jupadia]

Yes a few times I've had a knock on the door. I do have a lawn sign out there so people do know where I am. The latest was a couple today that knocked wanting to know if i have any cirrent openings.

I useally let them know of my next opening and give them a business card. If I have openings I'll schedule an interview for later that week or early the next week.

[Ariana]

Am I the only one who stakes out who is at the door before opening it? :: If I do not know you, I do not answer!

[amberrose3dg]

Am I the only one who stakes out who is at the door before opening it? :: If I do not know you, I do not answer!

I had someone show up here yesterday as parents were picking up asking if i was a daycare. I had no choice in not answering as two kids were leaving when she appeared at my steps. I told her yes but we were full and could call the number on Google if she had any questions but I do not discuss anything with a random person showing up at my door. I was thinking this thread was weird and bam someone at my door. Very bizarre huh.

[Blackcat31]

Am I the only one who stakes out who is at the door before opening it? :: If I do not know you, I do not answer!

:: this thread makes me truly appreciate where I live.
I couldn't imagine a knock causing so much fear.

If that truly is the atmosphere where you (general you) all live that makes me sad. I love my community and while we definitely have our fair share of crime it's still a wonderfully safe and caring community.

People still help neighbors for free, people are friendly and kind. Strangers still say wave or say hello when passing on sidewalks, drivers still pause and let someone in when traffic is backed up, people are basically helpful, friendly and caring.

The other day, the wind was so bad here that my garbage cans blew over~ an elderly man that walks by every morning with his poodle stopped and righted it, chased the lid down the alley and returned it all to the stand as it was and then continued on his way. I don't know him other than I see him in the neighborhood everyday.

My neighbor had foot surgery a few weeks ago...her grandson has been coming over to shovel. Last weekend he brought a couple friends (middle school age) and those 3 boys shoveled sidewalks all around the neighborhood without being asked, again for free.

I have a hundred stories like that. I see that type of thing happening here everyday.

It saddens me to see so many that are fearful in their own homes. I understand and realize for many it's because you have other people's children in care and I understand that's the way it might be where you live but I am really grateful that it isn't like that where I live.

Minnesota Nice I guess...

[Mike]

:: this thread makes me truly appreciate where I live.
I couldn't imagine a knock causing so much fear.

If that truly is the atmosphere where you (general you) all live that makes me sad. I love my community and while we definitely have our fair share of crime it's still a wonderfully safe and caring community.

People still help neighbors for free, people are friendly and kind. Strangers still say wave or say hello when passing on sidewalks, drivers still pause and let someone in when traffic is backed up, people are basically helpful, friendly and caring.

The other day, the wind was so bad here that my garbage cans blew over~ an elderly man that walks by every morning with his poodle stopped and righted it, chased the lid down the alley and returned it all to the stand as it was and then continued on his way. I don't know him other than I see him in the neighborhood everyday.

My neighbor had foot surgery a few weeks ago...her grandson has been coming over to shovel. Last weekend he brought a couple friends (middle school age) and those 3 boys shoveled sidewalks all around the neighborhood without being asked, again for free.

I have a hundred stories like that. I see that type of thing happening here everyday.

It saddens me to see so many that are fearful in their own homes. I understand and realize for many it's because you have other people's children in care and I understand that's the way it might be where you live but I am really grateful that it isn't like that where I live.

Minnesota Nice I guess...

Eastern Ontario vs out East or West (Atlantic provinces or prairie provinces)

Ariana's neighbourhood = Eastern Ontario
BC's neighbourhood = Atlantic or prairie provinces

Some examples...

I lived in Alberta for a year and found the following:
Heavy traffic - max of 3 or 4 cars go by before someone lets you in
Stop on side of road with hood up waiting for tow truck - max of 5 minutes before someone stops and asks if I need help
Go to checkout with 2 items and line in front with bunch of stuff - I had 3 people in a row let me go in front of them
You're out shovelling snow - somebody comes and helps, and doesn't take money you offer them

I've been told it's the same pretty much all over the Atlantic or prairie provinces.

Eastern Ontario area:
Heavy traffic - I've had to wait 15 minutes to get in
Stop on side of road with hood up waiting for tow truck - I've waited an hour for a tow truck and you'd be lucky if 1 person asked, and even cops just drive on by
Go to checkout with 2 items and line in front with bunch of stuff - Someone else will try to butt in front of you
You're out shovelling snow - you could be laying on the ground from slipping on an ice patch and people will walk by


Once in a blue moon there will be a nice person, but we don't get that many blue moons. ::

It's actually shocking how much difference there can be in different communities.

[BrynleeJean]

yes that has happened to me once but it was during the day and only the mom i think, i told her i couldn't tour her then because just for safety reasons i don't let strangers in the house during business hours.
congrats on the drop in interview happyface