Bad review from dcm I termed
 

:mad: I have my business listed with google. I was given a bad review today by a dcm I termed because her dd was not a good fit. She was coming one day a week for the trial period, and dcg was upset when left with me (shocker). After a few times, dcg liked me, but didn't like to be put down. It was crying - screaming - the moment I put her down until I picked her back up. I finally told dcm that it wasn't going to work. Dcm is a teacher (another shocker) and wanted full time in the Fall. I didn't believe I would see imorovement because dcg was also a preemie, getting therapy, and needed a lot of one on one. Dcg has just turned 2. She was obviously behind in many areas, but dcm was always reassuring me she was completely normal. No, she wasn't.

So now, several weeks later, I have a nasty review about how I don't like kids and I'm suoer strict, and (the horror) I had a trial period. And then dcm mentions how I even have a super long contract that shows all my weaknesses.

Okay...I am so ticked. I very kindly wrote back on the review page, but I'm thinking about taking my google listing down. Thoughts?

Hopefully someone knows what to do. I fear this because I don't know what to do. I will be watching this thread to learn just in case. Sucks though when parents are in such denial.

Originally Posted by midaycare:
:mad: I have my business listed with google. I was given a bad review today by a dcm I termed because her dd was not a good fit. She was coming one day a week for the trial period, and dcg was upset when left with me (shocker). After a few times, dcg liked me, but didn't like to be put down. It was crying - screaming - the moment I put her down until I picked her back up. I finally told dcm that it wasn't going to work. Dcm is a teacher (another shocker) and wanted full time in the Fall. I didn't believe I would see imorovement because dcg was also a preemie, getting therapy, and needed a lot of one on one. Dcg has just turned 2. She was obviously behind in many areas, but dcm was always reassuring me she was completely normal. No, she wasn't.

So now, several weeks later, I have a nasty review about how I don't like kids and I'm suoer strict, and (the horror) I had a trial period. And then dcm mentions how I even have a super long contract that shows all my weaknesses.

Okay...I am so ticked. I very kindly wrote back on the review page, but I'm thinking about taking my google listing down. Thoughts?

I'm not sure but my first instinct is to write something like you did. Then maybe ask parents to put up some good reviews to counter the negative one.

Laurel

keep it up
 

Do not take your listing down. If you do, it may look like you have something to hide. You did nothing wrong because you recognized that her child needed more care than what you could give her. You were fair to her by trying to take care of her kid, but this kid needed a lot more than you can give them. You saw that it was not working so you termed them. The mom wrote the bad review because she decided to act immature and throw a "virtual" tantrum by making up lies about you. If I was her, I would have instead said "Thank you for trying" and looked for another place. It is okay that some kids will not mesh with you well, especially if they cannot handle not being carried around all day long (which is really unrealistic because of other little ones to look after :) ) .

It is good that you wrote her a note because it shows potential clients that you deal with complaints seriously, and that you are an honest person. It is bad that she did this, but do not be discouraged. For every wicked witch of the west, there is a dorthy :) . Shes the wicked witch, not you by the way :)

Originally Posted by Mandy:
Do not take your listing down. If you do, it may look like you have something to hide. You did nothing wrong because you recognized that her child needed more care than what you could give her. You were fair to her by trying to take care of her kid, but this kid needed a lot more than you can give them. You saw that it was not working so you termed them. The mom wrote the bad review because she decided to act immature and throw a "virtual" tantrum by making up lies about you. If I was her, I would have instead said "Thank you for trying" and looked for another place. It is okay that some kids will not mesh with you well, especially if they cannot handle not being carried around all day long (which is really unrealistic because of other little ones to look after :) ) .

It is good that you wrote her a note because it shows potential clients that you deal with complaints seriously, and that you are an honest person. It is bad that she did this, but do not be discouraged. For every wicked witch of the west, there is a dorthy :) . Shes the wicked witch, not you by the way :)

Thanks :) This woman just got to me today. I work so hard and it is deflating when someone goes out of their way to be mean.

If it was me I would take it down and start new but that's just me. Maybe it's good you left it up and commented on it to.

I have two friends who are small businesses owners. One is a photographer (6yrs in business), the other pet store (23yrs). Both have had negative reviews. The photographer lost so much business she renamed her business. The pet store guy ignored it. Pet store customers would post positive reviews. He appreciated it. I feel bad you're going through this. Personally, I hide from an online presence (no website, FB).

Originally Posted by midaycare:
:mad: I have my business listed with google. I was given a bad review today by a dcm I termed because her dd was not a good fit. She was coming one day a week for the trial period, and dcg was upset when left with me (shocker). After a few times, dcg liked me, but didn't like to be put down. It was crying - screaming - the moment I put her down until I picked her back up. I finally told dcm that it wasn't going to work. Dcm is a teacher (another shocker) and wanted full time in the Fall. I didn't believe I would see imorovement because dcg was also a preemie, getting therapy, and needed a lot of one on one. Dcg has just turned 2. She was obviously behind in many areas, but dcm was always reassuring me she was completely normal. No, she wasn't.

So now, several weeks later, I have a nasty review about how I don't like kids and I'm suoer strict, and (the horror) I had a trial period. And then dcm mentions how I even have a super long contract that shows all my weaknesses.

Okay...I am so ticked. I very kindly wrote back on the review page, but I'm thinking about taking my google listing down. Thoughts?

I recently saw this happen to another provider. It was funny to me because the negative review told the truth THAT IT WAS JUST A BITTER PARENT. The provider removed her account on the site which I think was a shame.

I would’ve replied with:

Hello DCM,

It’s unfortunate that you’re upset. During our interview I discussed the trail period and you signed off on the handbook/contract. My perception is any reasonably intelligent parent would not sign a handbook/contract that they do not agree with. In addition only a neglectful parent in my eyes would want their child with a provider that isn’t a good fit for their child’s needs.

I considered you intelligent and a very responsible parent. I wish you the very best.

Originally Posted by KidGrind:
I recently saw this happen to another provider. It was funny to me because the negative review told the truth THAT IT WAS JUST A BITTER PARENT. The provider removed her account on the site which I think was a shame.

I would’ve replied with:

Hello DCM,

It’s unfortunate that you’re upset. During our interview I discussed the trail period and you signed off on the handbook/contract. My perception is any reasonably intelligent parent would not sign a handbook/contract that they do not agree with. In addition only a neglectful parent in my eyes would want their child with a provider that isn’t a good fit for their child’s needs.

I considered you intelligent and a very responsible parent. I wish you the very best.

I would LOVE to write that. I almost would, but it doesn't mention how she said I don't like kids :(. I will post her review and what I wrote back in off topic.

Originally Posted by midaycare:
I would LOVE to write that. I almost would, but it doesn't mention how she said I don't like kids :(. I will post her review and what I wrote back in off topic.

I wouldn't let that part bother me...

I doubt any other potential client would read something like that and automatically assume you don't like kids... to me, that statement is not even worth defending at all.

Honestly, I read bad reviews with both eyes wide open. Let's see "super long contract" says to me, if I were a parent, that you have all your bases covered and are very open with your rules. Strict and a trail period would be bonuses. And a kind reply from you that offers your side would be all to the better.

Own it, keep your head up (and maybe solicit some good reviews).

As a parent, I would be much more worried about a bad review where the family chose to leave for xyz reasons. I would be less concerned by an angry review written by a termed parent KWIM? I would see it as an angry reaction by a parent that this dcp decided she didn't want to be a part of her program. I would be happy to see a provider isn't more worried about money than the quality of the community she is creating. I think a calm well worded response would be fine, and I wouldn't remove your listing. You did nothing wrong :hug:

Thank you everyone. You have made me feel much better about this :hug:

Just curious, what did you say when you responded to her review? I am also afraid of that happening to me :( But going by what she said, I doubt anyone else will pay any attention to it. She just sounds immature and like a child who didn't get her way, so I imagine other parents who see that review will just ignore it. But if you wanted, you could also ask the families you currently have to write a review for you. It always helps to have positive reviews to help boost advertisement :)

Originally Posted by Preschool/daycare teacher:
Just curious, what did you say when you responded to her review? I am also afraid of that happening to me :( But going by what she said, I doubt anyone else will pay any attention to it. She just sounds immature and like a child who didn't get her way, so I imagine other parents who see that review will just ignore it. But if you wanted, you could also ask the families you currently have to write a review for you. It always helps to have positive reviews to help boost advertisement :)

I posted the link to it in the off topics section. I exactly copied what a poster (I forgot who right now) said would be a good written response. I did not do so well with my first response :o. KidGrind can attest to that.