How To Deal With Parents Who Complain About Everything!
Before we get started…If you’re new to my site, My name is Dena, and I have been a center director for over 21 years and love what I do, but it is WORK! My goal is to help other providers with their child care program and help relieve the stress that the daycare world brings. Don’t forget to snag my free daily schedules for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers before you leave!
So about those high maintenance parents…
What do you do with that parent that won’t stop complaining about everything?
We all have had that one parent that you just can’t make happy no matter how hard you try. We feel like we have to walk on eggshells when they arrive and pray that they just leave quickly without complaining for once!
Can you relate? After 20 years, my tolerance for parents like this is low. Now, don’t get me wrong…I always listen to constructive criticism and if there is an area that we need to improve in, I’m all about it! But the constant nagging about insignificant things is exhausting.
So what do you do? It is ever ok to terminate care?
Well, here’s how I respond when parents complain about non-important things or a policy they disagree with.
The 1st and 2nd time they complain, I say this.…
“I really appreciate your feedback. I understand that you feel (insert feeling). We will not be able to (what they don’t agree with) because (your reason or policy) but this is what I’ll try to do to help the situation (try to come up with a compromise or solution they are happy with without breaking your policies) or this is why we do what we do (politely explain your methods and reasoning).”
The 3rd time they complain….
“I appreciate your feedback and I’m sorry that you are feeling (frustrated or however they are feeling). We want parents to feel comfortable and love the care we are providing. We really try to give the best possible care, but unfortunately, we aren’t always the right fit for every family. If you need to look for another program that you can be happy with, we completely understand. It is important that you find the right place for you and your child.”
The 4th time they complain….
“Our goal is to have a loving, safe, and nurturing program that children love attending and parents trust wholeheartedly. It is apparent that you aren’t happy. This is stressful not only for you but for our teachers (or for myself) as well. Unfortunately, I think it is best that you find another child care program for your child where you can be happy. *I will continue to provide care for 2 weeks to give you time to find other arrangements. I wish you and your family the very best.”
*If this parent is causing you tremendous frustration, consider terminating them immediately.
If you prefer to give them a letter or simply want it in writing also, you can download my termination letter templates here for free. These templates are Word Documents so you can add the parents’ names and edit them to suit your needs.
Conclusion:
Don’t torture yourself or your staff tolerating high-maintenance parents. Believe it or not, it is possible to have parents that pay on time, follow your policies, and thank you daily for taking such great care of their little one. THIS is why we do what we do, and there is no greater reward!
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