When I started my website and parenting advice service back in 2006, nothing could’ve prepared me for the amount of work involved.
I’d started the email service because I’d started to get calls and emails from parents I’d worked with in the past, old friends, other nannies and family asking for tips or help, so decided to set up an official (free) advice service.
The first week of opening the advice service I received 23 emails.
The second, around 40.
Now, in 2014 I’m averaging anything between 200 – 300 a week. From sleep issues to toddlers refusing to eat, the questions are always interesting and often a challenge, but I’m always so happy to help.
I’m sorry…
Today, I’m just writing an apology to all of the lovely parents, nannies, child-minders and grandparents that come to me and I don’t answer right away.
I’m happy to help. I really am, but it takes time.
You see, I don’t offer a ‘one size fits all approach’ in my advice service or in my book, because everyone child is different. Every family is different too – what works for one family, won’t work for another. My 22 years experience, qualifications and most importantly my experience as a mum has taught me that.
So, I’m sorry.
I’m sorry it takes time.
Last week I had an angry email from a parent who had been waiting 2 weeks for me to answer her question. I was told I shouldn’t offer a service if I couldn’t maintain it. She was pretty upset with me.
I was mortified!
I hate letting people down.
I work until the early hours answering emails, I fit the service around my writing, my website, but hardest of all – around my two little ones.
I always said they would come first, and they do. But it’s getting harder.
It’s getting so hard keeping up, and I just can’t say no. So the original 48 hours response when I first set up the service has now slipped to two weeks. I’m ploughing through them, I really am – but the more I answer the more that come.
I’ll never close the advice service because it does so much good. It helps so many people, and sometime, just sometimes, all a worried parent needs is an ear to listen, some reassurance that they are doing just fine, and to trust their own instincts.
If I owe you an email, or if you email and I don’t answer right away, please bear with me.
I’m working so hard – I won’t let you down. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
I’m sorry.
March 31, 2014
Tracy Clarke
Hello Lovely Fi, I’m so sorry that some people are not happy, the service you provide (FOR FREE!!!) is amazing, and you’ve always been there for when we had our little issues with our son. You are an amazing person and its understandable that the demands of family life and now your book (yay!) are having to take priority (as they should).
I’m sorry that someone took offence. Don’t be sad by it, you are wonderful, and you work hard. Love to you all, Us Clarkes x