first visits by parents what usually happen?

[Hanabana]

as the title says really, how do yours usually go off?

I had my first prospective mother and mindee come to the house today, i had all my paperwork for her, certs etc and she wasn't worried about looking at them. i offered her alot of information about the setting offered to show her upstairs and in the garden even though he daughter would be downstairs 95% of the time and she said that she wasn't worried, she stayed for about 45 mins her daughter did play dough and drawing with my son although he did play up a bit by not sharing but by the end they were playing hide and seek under the table happily (risk assesment coming on thought she was going to bang her head!) and she threw a tantrum because she didn't want to leave. the mother took all my policies etc with her to read and i did mention that i would need that copy back as it was a master copy and she said she would contact me over the weekend to complete arrangements.

in short it was very surreal we talked about nothing or did none of the points on my checklist and she also gave me little chance to ask questions about her daughter. so what normally happens and how long do they last. i have another person coming on Monday so hopefully i'll know what to expect this time.:panic:

[PixiePetal]

Some want to see everything and ask lots of questions, others go with the flow and on gut instinct. Most I see, once they know I have first aid, insurance and am registered don't want to see anything else.

To be honest, if you hit it off, everything else pales into the background as all they want is a happy child and a safe environment that is in the right location for them at the right price.

You get more used to it after a couple of visits - or years :laughing:

It's as much if you like them and can work with them as the other way round - but some parents don't realise that :rolleyes: I can now tell if I will like a family from the first 10 mins, or if they look like trouble :laughing:

[Hanabana]

what usually makes you think they look like trouble? i don't think i am a great judge of character, maybe should have had my DH here as he is very good at that (always one to say i told you so!) the mother was nice enough when we chatted but not somebody i would socialise with iykwim

[PixiePetal]

what usually makes you think they look like trouble? i don't think i am a great judge of character, maybe should have had my DH here as he is very good at that (always one to say i told you so!) the mother was nice enough when we chatted but not somebody i would socialise with iykwim

I have had some who I would not be friends with but we get on fine as a CM/parent relationship. This is fine with me.

Some ask awkward questions and seem to try wriggling round payment questions straight away - payment for childs sickness etc If they take you seriously and you feel they respect that CM is your profession, just as they have theirs, you are usually ok. If they think you are doing it just for a bit of cash and they are doing you a favour, you are on dodgy ground.

Trust your gut instinct, you will be fine :thumbsup: MOST parents are good ones :)

[RedDragon]

what usually makes you think they look like trouble? i don't think i am a great judge of character, maybe should have had my DH here as he is very good at that (always one to say i told you so!) the mother was nice enough when we chatted but not somebody i would socialise with iykwim

I :blush: when I think of when 1 of my old mindees came for a visit - I thought the mum was nuts (sorry not very PC) and was very unsure but as I was just starting out as a CM I took them on.

7 years down the line mum has become a great friend and has shown true kindness.