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Original poster

Cm's what have you learnt wtih time

30 replies

MUM2BLESS · 15/08/2010 11:05

It will be 2 yrs next month since I started as a childminder.

I have just revised my polcies, with the help of mumsnet and other sources. When I first started minding I now realise that my policies were very basic. I have had experiences that has caused me to do things a lot different. ie late payment, now got late payment policy. Behaviour challenges now more thorough in what I included in my behaviour management polciy. These are just some of the things I will mention...

What are you doing differently with what you have experienced?

I think its like parenting, with four, I have learnt so much. with your first you try to do things like your told to. Then you realise that it does not really matter if you put the bib with Tuesday on, on friday. You have to do what works well for you

OP posts:
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pippin26 · 15/08/2010 19:49

what an excellent question
In 7 plus years of childminding I have learned:

get paid in advance (or full fees up front for adhoc/emergency care)

stick to your rules (terms) of business - fair enough be a bit flexi but be selective with which parents.

at the first bit of messing you around/taking advantage etc then nip it in the bud immediately

this is MY home and MY home will be respected as will i be - or on your bike

trust the gut instincts - you may be needing
the work but if your gut is saying no no no to a family then you will live to regret it

get to know colleagues - not just other minders but other professionals - this can be a lonely enough job

be professional at all times - work each day as if Ofsted were to drop by - remember that you may be being watched (by jealous colleagues for example)

go on that training - I have ended up doing my degree (BA Hons) and its the best thing I have ever done - not just for my work but for me (never thought little old brainless me- according to school, would do a degree)

take a pride in what you do - its a valuable and fantastic job. I love my job and each day is different. Not to mention what other job can you just pop off to the beach of the weather is good or just traipse through the forest with the kids and dogs. Brilliant

My P&P's have evolved dramatically over the years, I even had to do a quickie earring policy once when a parent insisted upon sending her 18 month old with HUGE hooped earrings - they scared me silly.

HSMM · 15/08/2010 19:17

Getting payment in advance.
Not being upset if people don't turn up for their first interview.
Not stopping advertising the vacancy until the contract is signed and deposit paid.
To always take spare clothes on outings.
That some parents and children are really lovely people.
That this is not a stop gap until I get another job, but a career.
That I loved what I did before, but I love this better.

thebody · 15/08/2010 18:32

GET PAID IN ADVANCE.. AND NEVER ALLOW MORE THAN ONE WEEKS ARREARS...

dont be afraid to say NO if it doesnt suit you or your family.

dont be afraid to set firm boundaries in your home.

get mindees ready for collection with shoes on and all ready to go to avoid the usual bad behaviour at pick up time.

Original poster
MUM2BLESS · 15/08/2010 11:29

Thanks for that.

What you do also depends on the children you are dealing with. Some are more challenging than others.

I deal with four families. My experience has been so different with them all. Some are better at paying on time, some are more supportive with how you deal with their children, some are good at communicating... the list is endless.

As a childminder you have to be a step ahead all the time, as you have your own family to also deal with.

Setting boundries is so vital when you have children together from different backgrounds.

One of the most important thing for me has been getting the right hours that fit in with my family time. I have done 07.00 and hated it. I now will only do 07.30 until 18.00.

I have over time done very long hours and made the money. This was overwhelming at times especially trying to deal with my family too.

You realise WITH TIME that even though the money is needed you have to be comfortable with the hours, got to be right!!

OP posts:
TheBreastmilksOnMe · 15/08/2010 11:08

I have learnt that it's not the job I imagined it to be and that I don't like it very much. I won't be returning after maternity leave. I do agree with what you have said though, you learn what works and what doesn't after some time in the job and you tailor it to suit how you work best.