Originally Posted by Meeko:
I tell all parents that want a place that I am interviewing with several families for the same spot and that I will let them know by such-and-such date when I decide which child to take. That way, it is easy to just write an email thanking them for their interest, but that the place has been filled and good luck with their search.
It has also stopped ALL of the parents who come by thinking they are interviewing me for a job. By stating that I will decide which child I am accepting into care lets them know that they are not in charge and the choice is mine.
I do this as well. I don't directly tell anyone they aren't a good fit, however, as people in my community would have a COW with such phrasing and I would be badmouthed everywhere.
I phrase it as the spot is no longer available. It truly isn't available...for THEM. It might still be available for another family. Families that I don't enroll due to whatever reason get put on a Do Not Enroll list with the reason why.
Also, I think it's getting harder to find good families that fit. I had 6 families interested in 1 spot. I only found 1 to be a good fit.