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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

childminder has dd but I'm chilling at home...

32 replies

Bunzanda · 24/02/2016 10:18

Hello all,
I pay my childminder a set, monthly fee for my 5 year old dd. Sometimes i have a few days annual leave from work but my childminder still does school drop-off/ pick up.
Is this wrong to be at home, or having some me-time whilst my childminder has dd???
I know this sounds really paranoid but i even try to avoid going out, in case i pass her in the local shops!
But my main question is, can i just be honest and tell her im at home doing f-all? She often asks how my work day was and i find myself lying, saying i was busy at workConfused
I mean, shes getting paid but im worried she will think, "lazy cow. Take your own kid to school".
Likewise today, im off sick from work but embarrassed to tell childminder I've been in all day whilst she's doing the school run for me .

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Original poster
Bunzanda · 24/02/2016 10:31

Lol! I thought it was just me. Do you tell your cm you've just had a day to yourself? Im finding it hard to make up a day at work i never had!..plus, on this occasion, i may be off sick for several weeks. (Early pg issues)
Are there any cm's out there who would say what they would think about childminding for parents who just want to put their feet up?

OP posts:
MrsAukerman · 24/02/2016 10:30

Honestly is key with the parent / cm relationship. You need to totally trust each other. Imagine if your cm lied about her whereabouts or how your child got injured.

starry0ne · 24/02/2016 10:28

I am a child minder and would rather you said oh I am off for a couple of days... Most of my parents do it to lesser or greater degrees... I am paid to have children and don't resent anyone there me time...I do however would wonder if you were lying about been off what else are you lying about..

RudeElf · 24/02/2016 10:24

As long as you pay your CMer its none of their business what you do with your time. Lots of people who dont work use paid childcare. There is nothing at all to feel guilty about.

PovertyPain · 24/02/2016 10:24

Tell her you're working from home or studying mumsnet That way you can pop out to the shops or coffee, for a break. Wink

Iguessyourestuckwithme · 24/02/2016 10:23

I'm a nanny - got the day off today.

I have no problems with my boss having time to herself while I work. I actively encourage her to have some "me time". Don't worry about hiding out - you are paying for a service. Have a nice day off :)

MrsAukerman · 24/02/2016 10:21

You're fine! I have 15m ds who does 3 set days at cm. Right now I'm watching homes under the hammer and eating crumpets. Why not? Down time is important, especially if you work ft and have small children.

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