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AIBU?

NOT to want to be a childminder??????

18 replies

Kimi · 22/02/2008 14:59

Now before you all jump on me I have NOTHING against childminders......but I don't want to be one, so why have at least 6 yes 6 people recently when I have said I need a job replied why don't you become a child minder????

I love my two children, I have nothing against children in general, my two have their friends round and in the holidays I often take out my two and a friend each to museums, theam parks, cinema , do cooking afternoons or crafts, just fun things that family's do.

I enjoy doing it ........ but I do not want to do it day in day out with whoever's children.

Also I do not think I am THAT good with children other then my own.

I want a job with adult company, I can do lots of things, childcare is not my vocation, ok I have children BUT that does not make me a child care expert.

OP posts:

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southeastastra · 22/02/2008 15:02

my mil kept saying that to me when i was looking for work. she always told me about some girl she knew who earn't £££ by doing it. had to explain to her that it isn't that easy.

alfiesbabe · 22/02/2008 15:06

it's weird isnt it? I've known a few people with the same view - almost as if being a CM is the default position if you have kids and want to return to work.
For me, one of the key things about working has been to spend time in adult company! Having my kids' friends round for tea was fine, but no way would I have wanted to do it for a job.

viggoswife · 22/02/2008 15:10

My SIL was TTC while I was pregnant with DS and it was all discussed and arranged by PIL that I would become a child minder to her child so that she could immediately rush back to her high powered and much more important job as an accountant the moment she gave birth. My job as a Medical Secretary was never even discussed or considered for one moment.

TBH I only really like my own kids.

Kimi · 22/02/2008 15:11

I have a lot of respect for people who childmind, but I am not cut out for it.

Sticky little people wrecking my home.... NO NO NO

OP posts:

MaureenMLove · 22/02/2008 15:12

They're right, it is a convenient job to do, so that you can be at home, at every school 'do' and obviously the school holidays aren't an issue, but just because you are a parent, doesn't mean you want to make a career out of it! I'm a CM, but I have always wanted to work with children in some shape or form, so it WAS the job for me. That said, dd is 12 1/2 now and I'm winding my business up, I've finally had enough of having a hangbag with a dummy & nappy in it!

Mellieandmin · 22/02/2008 15:15

YANBU! I love my daughter but I marvel at the girls at the Nursery, they must have the patience of Job! They are always so lovely with DD and always have a smile and open arms for all the babies.

I work 4 days and dd goes to Nursery for 2, is cared for by my Mum for 2 and I have Fridays off which I love. I adore spending time with my little one and love having friends over with babies,.... I just could not do it as a job!

Do people think that once we have had a child we have had our 'work brain' removed and cannot cope with a professional environment anymore? I think being a CM would be SO hard, I would rather work at my office any day of the week and leave the childminding to those who have a real calling for it.

Oblomov · 22/02/2008 15:18

God, I couldn't do it. Thay have the patience of a saint.

catsmother · 22/02/2008 16:41

Viggoswife - I hope you told them all where to go !

NotDoingTheHousework · 22/02/2008 16:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

bubblepop · 22/02/2008 17:00

yanbu! i would.nt fancy being one either..

Flibbertyjibbet · 22/02/2008 17:04

I could not be a childminder and admire quite a few that do it.
I love my kids to bits but the thought of not only having them around but other people's as well!! OMG I need a lie down at the thought of it!
Mind you if I was one I wouldn't complain about parents who didn't pick up early if they were having an afternoon off

Janni · 22/02/2008 17:23

'Sticky little people wrecking my home'
Are there any childminders who ALWAYS wanted to do that as a job or did they choose it because it was a way to earn money around their family commitments? I imagine it to be a very hard job with precious little recognition.

Reallytired · 22/02/2008 17:57

Fair enough, if you don't want to be a childminder. It takes all to make a world. A good childminder is worth their weight in gold.

What did you do pre children? Do you know what you would like to do?

KaySamuels · 22/02/2008 18:11

No YANBU, I have always wanted to and have always worked with children, and actually initaially registered as a childminder before DS was conceived unplanned, so for me it was a personal career choice, which was made pre children.

It is definately a job you have to love, especially in my area where childminding rates are especially low.

I have made my house as 'sticky proof' as possible but yes it does happen!

Hope you find a nice job Kimi.

cory · 22/02/2008 19:17

The annoying thing is people seeing a CM's job as something that any woman can just fall into, regardless of her own interests and personality. I for one have always known that I don't have the stamina to do this particular job. And I noticed that when dh's job was looking a bit dodgy a few years ago, nobody suggested that he ought to be a CM.

taffy101 · 22/02/2008 19:36

Have to agree totally, CMs are the unsung heroes of our world! I considered doing it once to work around my kids, but no I would be terrible at it!

chankins · 22/02/2008 19:45

I decided to be one after having dd1 and realising how much I loved being in my home and doing all the kids stuff ! I had dd2 before I started minding though, so the plan was in action a good while. When it finally happened I was surprised by how much I loved it, and still do.
A lot of people think we do it just to stay at home with our own and make money at same time, and that may be why a lot begin, but with all the extra training and paperwork we now have to do, if you weren't fully committed to the career you would give it up pretty quickly.
I love it and will def still be doing it when my three litte ones are all grown up !

MsHighwater · 22/02/2008 20:52

YANBU. I was not a kiddy person before I had dd. I am much better with other kids now that I have my own but no way would I want to spend all day looking after children. I'm delighted that some people are so that I can return to work (part time) knowing that my dd is looked after by people who are enthusiastic and motivated to do what they do.

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