How To Nicely Decline??

[Pammie]

I have brand-shiny-new clients whose infant will be starting with me the first of September. I've been holding a space for them since April. Dcd emailed yesterday wanting to know the "process" is for getting their little one started in daycare, wanting to know if they could have a couple of 1/2 days prior to September 1st so that dcm "can have some time to get used to not having the baby with her". No problem for me so far.

But he also included an invite for me to come to their home to meet the baby "anytime at your <my> convenience".

I have no interest in going to their home - never have done that in all my years of daycare. I always meet the new infant at my home (evening or weekend just like an interview), with mom and dad prior to the start-date so that we can go over the handbook/contract one more time, and talk about all the baby-specifics.

So how do I politely decline their invitation - or should I just **** it up and go??

[nannyde]

I would just tell them that you do offer home visits for incoming clients. Your rate for the home visit is $50 for one hour of visit. Just let you know what day and time works best for them.

If they would like they could bring the baby to your house for a second interview at no additional cost.

[SandeeAR]

Simply tell them, Thanks for the invitation, but this is a business. I don't get involved in the families lives that way. You need them to bring the baby to the business/daycare a week (or whatever time) before care for you to meet. Tell them, "I am no different than your peditrician. You wouldn't expect him/her to come to your home for the first check up would you?

[nannyde]

wanting to know if they could have a couple of 1/2 days prior to September 1st so that dcm "can have some time to get used to not having the baby with her".

Charge for a full day regardless of what hours the mom needs to get used to not having the baby with her.

[squareone]

I would have just thanked them for the invite and left it at that. If he asks about it again before the baby starts I would just tell him that I spend so many of my non-daycare hours running important personal errands that I haven't yet had a time where it was convenient.

[Crazy8]

I would email back giving them the days/hours that will work for the baby to come - I have people do that all the time. Mostly with new moms just going back to work, I totally understand it and welcome it. Then thank them for the invite but let them know you really don't have any evenings free right now. Once they do their short days and then start regularly it won't be a big deal. They may be the type that will always invite you to parties, bbq's, etc.

[Mom_of_two]

I also would encourage them to bring baby (and charge if mom leaves) I also do allow registered clients (deposit paid etc) to come spend 15 or 20 min with mommy if they would like.

I don't think either is 'right' but I know if it were me I would address the home invite, I like that pp said to explain your business/policy etc. I think it is important to begin to establish that relationship etc. But many people are more relaxed than me about that type of thing. I think if you just say no thatks it is fine, too, but do what feels right to you.

[cheerfuldom]

theres no reason for you to go into their home and actually, I would strongly suggest you don't. once you do things outside the daycare norm, they start assuming that you are more of a nanny and can provide those individualized items. There is no reason why you can't get to know this little one on her first day at daycare. Just tell them that its not necessary, schedule the half days and go from there. Also make sure to let them know up front how you feel about mom staying on those first few days. They might think that the half days are for mom AND baby to hang around daycare for awhile.

[Unregistered]

I like 1/2 days to transition. Helps get the bugs out before the first big day back at work. Also, it gets my kids thinking about having the baby around in smaller increments before they are here all the time. I have never had issues with it. I clearly state the times to drop off and pick up and the costs associated with it. Moms like it and it lowers my stress level the night before the "babys first day" at daycare.

I would politely decline their offer to come over.