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Paid childcare

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

Original poster

so fed up.. what can I do??

39 replies

KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 14:04

I'm getting more and more dejected with childminding.

Fed up of being taken for granted, having to chase money, I cm for 8 families and received xmas cards from two (the two families I got cards from also got me a present which I really appreciated, would have been happy with the card).

I work long hours, put up behavioural problems, bossy precocious children, and parents who take advantage.

I used to really love being a cm but am feeling recently that I am trapped by it as I am aware of the fact that finding a job with affordable childcare is very unlikely.

sorry for the moan,

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shosha · 08/01/2007 22:03

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 08/01/2007 18:36

I am an established fan of kalms! thought I would take for my test

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shosha · 07/01/2007 21:14

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 21:12

Tuesday morning, can't wait haven't had one since before xmas so been a while!

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shosha · 07/01/2007 19:56

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 19:51

Yes I am really pleased I had a rant and got it all off my chest, thank you all for your support and kindness it really helped.

No I don't have msn, maybe I should sort it out I can get it (my dp uses it) just have never bothered, will ask him to do me an account and keep you posted!

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shosha · 07/01/2007 19:44

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smeeinit · 07/01/2007 19:42

blimey kay what a difference a weekend makes!
glad you feeling a bit cheerier!

Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 19:40

Yes smeenit feeling much more positive - which is good as I am workin six days again next week including four 6.30am starts, one 8.30pm and four 7pm finishes! But am well prepared and raring to go . Have banned the telly today, cleaned the house, got food in and even got my ds asleep before 7.30 which almost never happens!!

I am on a roll! ha ha

My best friends sister has lupus shosha, she also has a son and hubby to contend with and I often see how worn out she is!

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smeeinit · 07/01/2007 10:58

kay, you feeling any happier ?

shosha · 07/01/2007 10:22

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shosha · 07/01/2007 10:21

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 10:16

Hi agalch, my mindee I have behaviour problems with is statemented (with behaviour problems only) and his behaviour is the best at mine, then home and then school, so whatever I am doing with him is working, just very hard work iykwim. I also have another challenging child but tbh this is just her personality and there's not much I can do to change that

I always get paid (probably come across as very direct and not to be messed with but its just a front that I find exhausting) . I worry every week about who I will have to chase but I always do and I always get it, charge fee for late payment but have only used it twice on the same parent.

I am a big softy really, I love it when a mindee comes and gives me a cuddle, or holds my hand - I know they all love coming to see me and thats great. I am much stricter than most of their parents in terms of rules but I think kids actually like this.

Think childminders are an undervalued, underpaid, and often misrepresented childcare area. We should all give ourselves a pat on the back

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shosha · 07/01/2007 10:10

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agalch · 07/01/2007 10:04

Hi Kay

Glad you are feeling better

We all feel like that sometimes i think.I do think tho if parents are taking advantage you need to think about sorting that out.

I am very strict re picking up on time/paying on time and kids bahaviour etc.

I give notice and replace if things are really not working out.Could you have parents in and do a contract review? You could then discuss any problems and fix them?

Hope next weeks a good one for you,i am due back to work on the 23rd January after 6 months mat leave.Hope i can take on decent kids/parents.

Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 10:02

Shosha just wanted to say I realy admire that you childmind while living with lupus - I know how draining it is and you are doing one of the most exhausting jobs there is !

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 09:56

Thanks glad to be back, I have to say if I honestly didn't need the money I would have given people notice this week. But deep down I know I would miss it.

Being a childminder has its down sides but it has its benefits too - the main one for me being at home with my little boy and being able to whatever the weather allows (which is probably why I am fed up in winter!). I mean how many jobs let you go for a stroll around the park?!

Feeling much better about things now. I do love working with kids and always will, but maybe not always as a childminder.

Also found out i will be doing more hours from next week so may be able to up my driving lessons to two a week!

Thanks

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glad2beback · 07/01/2007 00:09

Hi Kay, I know how you feel. I went thro' a 'fed up' phase about 6 months ago and gave up c/m as a result. I really missed it and didn't realise how much i loved it until I gave it up. I started my business up again a month later and it was scary because I had to start from scratch again. Being a c/m again is brilliant and has made me realise how lucky I am to have this job. In 2 months I have filled all my spaces and am looking after some fantastic children.

Learning to drive will give you so much independance to get out and about more so go for it Kay!

I think most c/m will agree that sometimes the going gets tough but don't learn the hard way like I did. xx

Judy1234 · 05/01/2007 18:43

KS, I've had nannies for 22 years and I've never been too bothered about qualifications, just experience but it depends on the families. I'm not sure about new rules on registration? Are there any? May be not.

On driving the more experience the better. We've got 3 of our chidlren through their tests at age 17 in the last 4 years and it seems to work best when you give them lots of chance to drive on normal journeys on a regular basis whilst you sit there gripping the side of the seat. The last 2 took their theory test on their 17th birthday.

shosha · 05/01/2007 18:27

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 18:21

Haven't set a test date yet but have said to instructor I want to be driving by the summer ols and she said I will be done by then. Can't wait! lol

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shosha · 05/01/2007 18:08

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Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 17:59

ooh 3 nine yr old girls - blimey!
I have two 7yr old girls but they a "bff" so tend to get on!

Thanks all of you for your replies, it was good to vent - and to know we all feel like it from time to time

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shosha · 05/01/2007 17:24

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smeeinit · 05/01/2007 16:04

oh kay poor you,sending hugs your way.
i think every cm goes thro stages of feeling the way you are right now,i know i do!
as shosa says passing your drivivng test will make such a huge difference to your whole life. if i were you i would continue with the minding until you have passed your test and see how you feel about the job then.
it can be a lonely job if you dont have much adult company throughout the day but there are alot of places to go and meet up with other cms.
i didnt know any cms when i first strated 2 years ago but now have a large network of cm friends locally.
keep your chin up and keep smiling!!