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Original poster

Does this sound like an OK day for a nearly two year old?

32 replies

Ughfootballseason · 11/09/2012 20:32

I'm just checking what other childminders would do all day with a nearly two year old because I'm just a bit worried about dd.

Breakfast, nursery drop off, supermarket shop (not sure what else), nursery pick up, lunch, nap or cuddle cm and watch soaps, school pick-up, play-doh and drawing while cm is on computer, playing with toys, home time.

Does this sound ok/ normal to you?

I really like then child minder but I'm concerned dd just has to fit in with everything else. I actually use a child minder and not nursery because I prefer a more relaxed home environment but I'm feeling that it might be ok to do this with your own child but maybe a bit more effort should be put in for a mindee. Thanks for any words of wisdom.

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DerbyNottsLeicsNightNanny · 11/09/2012 21:05

we use a CM two days a week for my son who is 2.5yrs. Watching soaps would bother me (a lot), CM being on computer would also bother me.

Supermarket shop I would be OK with as long as this wasnt happening every time he was with her.

When I first started using CM I felt a bit bad for my DS being dragged on lots of school/nursery runs but actually it doesnt do him any harm and hopefully because he will have been there loads of times for drop off/pick up it wont be so brand new for him when he starts at nusery/school.

mamadoc · 11/09/2012 21:03

My DS is 15mo and with CM 3 days a week.
His day is usually:
school run
playgroup/ music group/ trip to park or city farm
lunch
nap
school run
free play inside or in garden

My CM does occasionally take him to shops with her but not on any regular basis. TV only very occasionally used. She will play with him (I know cos I can see through the window as I arrive) and she does make effort to tailor to his interests which are mainly cars, diggers, animals and getting messy!
I would want to be reassured she was putting effort in to get to know him and do things he enjoys.

Original poster
Ughfootballseason · 11/09/2012 21:02

Well the supermarkets a 15/20 minute drive away so definitely no a pop-in job.

Cm definitely watches the soaps because she told me she does every day. Other dd (3) says she reads book in this time. I can't be sure how long she was on computer for as dd1 told me.

Here's the killer... When dh and I arrived slightly early to pick up today the cm's 17 year old was with the children because cm had popped out for 10 mins (I assume) to pick up her other dd from work.

I actually don't want to change childminders but I'm feeling very unhappy.

Dd1 loves it there as there's loads going on and is in nursery in the mornings so I'm not worried about her getting enough stimulation. I'm worried dd2 is being forgotten about.

They both seem happy.

Is there anynway back from this?!

OP posts:
HSMM · 11/09/2012 20:51

I am a CM. The way you said it sounds bad, but ...

Was the supermarket shop and quick pop in to choose some fruit for a snack, or a full weekly shop?
Watching soaps is not a great way of stimulating a child to learn (are you sure?).
How long was the CM on computer - 5 mins to upload photos of the day, or on Mumsnet chatting for half an hour?

Do you get a daily diary/note/handover?
Have you seen her learning journey?

The school/nursery runs are normal for many CMs.

My day today

  • Build towers/morning naps
  • Trip to outdoor play area (quick stop at the outdoor cafe for a cuppa, while the children played with water and ride on toys)
  • Picnic lunch
  • Afternoon naps/quiet activities
  • Free play - building/colouring/reading/role play
An0therName · 11/09/2012 20:39

hmm - the drops off and pick up fairly normal - the CMs I have used would spend more time actually playing with the children and taking them to groups -so no food shop - although the odd errand but not everyday - and wouldn't go on the computer with the children were there

Rubirosa · 11/09/2012 20:39

When my nearly two year was at a childminder they usually went to a playgroup in the morning, or else park to feed the ducks, childminder's allotment, library. I would expect some free play with toys and playdoh/drawing at home, even a bit of Cbeebies, but not supermarket shop and watching soaps.

Olympicrock · 11/09/2012 20:34

I wouldn't be at all happy with that, you are paying for her to use the EYF and care and develop your child, it seems that she gets hardly any attention.