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Original poster

What should I expect from my Chilminder?

27 replies

judemum · 17/05/2007 09:56

My DS is 2 and has been going to the same childminder since he was 9 months. She is very good, in that she gives him a lot of love and attention. But I am starting to get worried, as I think he probably watches too much Tv and I don;t think there is any structure to what she does with him. Quite often he is the only child there, either that or its him and another 3 year old. As far as I can gather most of the time they are out shopping with her, or going to the hospital with her (she's not well), or just playing. Am I being OTT and is this fine for a 2/3 year old, or would he be better off at nursery where they have more structured activities?? He does go to playgroup three times a week, so he does have a fair amount of interaction with other kids and he's a pretty outgoing little chap anyway, its more the educational side of things I'm worrying about.

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PinkChick · 17/05/2007 10:12

if you would rTHER HE GO TO HER HOSP APP WITH HER THAN YOU HAVE TO TAKE TIME OFF THEN ID SAY THAT WAS OK(ESP IF YOU know SES UNWELL)..oops sorry caps on!..the best thing to do with children this age IS play, they learn so much through it.personally i would ask for a diary of his day ask what he enjoys doing there, what Did he do 'today' etc..as long as she is playing with him and not leaving him to get on with it, thats ok, but he does need fresh air, stimulation, interaction, so check hes getting all that and if she loveing and caring too you have no probelm

Hassled · 17/05/2007 10:09

It's a tough one - I'm a registered CM but not currently working (by choice!). The key is the "just playing" - 2 year olds learn an awful lot by playing, and as long as the CM is involved in the games and there is some sort of direction (eg playing shops, talking about things you could buy which could link into concept of money or healthy eating etc., which can be reinforced at the real shops) then I shouldn't worry. I think at 2, playgroup 3 times a week would meet all the social/educational needs and it's important to remember kids do need "downtime" and to learn to entertain themselves to an extent. However, the hospital thing worries me - I can't see how your DS could possibly get much out of that experience and if she's being treated, who's actually minding him? I think you have to trust your instincts - if he's a happy little boy who's developing well and getting lots of love and attention then stick with it. It might be worth visiting some nurseries to see how you feel then.

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