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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHere are a few sample requests made by parents:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When a client asks you if you’ll do something in particular for their child, you are not obligated to say “yes”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, you simply cannot due to licensing regulations for your program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I was the walking definition of a “People Pleaser” and it’s something to this day I continue to work on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am a ‘you betcha’ kind of gal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anything my clients asked of me, I’d find a way to make it happen. Even if it meant it was at the expense of my family time, my family’s space, or beyond my capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I finally learned that there are other ways to keep my clients happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had control over how I handled each request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The parent-provider relationship should be based on open communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, establish what your non-negotiables are. <\/strong>What are the things that you have little control over and aren’t willing to or can’t bend on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mine were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your non-negotiables might be entirely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of giving your client an answer immediately, try saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s a great question. Let me get back to you.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This short phrase will save your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This phrase allows you to think through the question that was presented and gives you time to craft a thoughtful response that is true to yourself, your program and the needs of your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your reasons for not being able to meet their requests might include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to decline this request, you can do so very objectively and state the reason why you need to keep your closing time as is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may help you and your clients become better aligned on your ideals about sleep needs for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the core of it all, we must remember that parents and providers usually want to offer what is best for each child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both parties are working towards a common goal however there are umpteen different ways to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents must be mindful of the limitations a provider may encounter when serving a group of young children.<\/strong> They must ask questions and seek to understand what a provider must do to run a successful program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Providers must be aware that each parent only wants what is best for their child and want to know their child is comfortable and safe in your program each day.<\/strong> Knowing your own limitations is key to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is, families have lots of options when it comes to finding care for their child. Some options, such as hiring a private nanny as a caregiver gives them a bit more jurisdiction over the elements of their child’s day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outlining these expectations<\/strong> and desires during the interview process is critical. Check out this Interview Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/span> to help you answer some really important questions up front that will allow you to lay out a beautiful foundation for the partnership ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Has a client ever asked you to do something for their child that you’re not sure you’re capable of doing? Typically, clients are not asking you to do something to make your life harder, but rather to fulfill a need they have for their child. Here are a few sample requests made by parents: My<\/p>\nRemember. This is a partnership. You aren’t working for them, and they aren’t working for you.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let’s review the list of examples posted above and ways to handle the situation:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Babies need to be snuggled and rocked and soothed. If there’s not enough time in your day to give to that baby, one raw and really difficult question to ask yourself is if you need to consider scaling back on your enrollment numbers, but charge a bit more for infant care to close the gap in income.Talk with the client about how you can help their child transition into naps and if you aren’t able to rock him\/her until they fall asleep explain why.Parents feel reassured when they are part of the solution.![\"\"](\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pexels-photo-1097496-800x533.jpeg\")
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I’ve actually tried the naked-from-the-waist-down technique with my own kids and surprisingly enough, for us, it worked pretty well. However, to have one child running around your home pants-less isn’t conducive to the environment that includes other children in the space at the same time.Simply explain to the parent that you want their child to be successful with using the potty.At the same time, they need to wear pants when outside of the bathroom.Come up with a plan together on what’s happening at home and what’s happening in the child care in regards to potty training. Make a timeline and if the child isn’t progressing, press pause and revisit the topic in 8 weeks and try again.<\/li>
Let your client know you need time to think about your end-of-the-day schedule and if that would require an extra fee and if so, how much? If you extend your schedule by 15 minutes, will this option be available to your other clients?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://theempoweredprovider.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pexels-photo-1174589-800x502.jpeg\")
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