Hi, I'm a FTM and probably unreasonable but I'd like to get people's opinions.
I think I've found a great childminder. She's warm and friendly, cooks fresh foods and has very few kids. My daughter (9months) will be the youngest there and I'm pretty sure she'll receive a lot of attention. But I did a settling in session today and a few things have unsettled me.
Basically, I'm a single child and my daughter is my first so our life is quiet. I'm a bit old fashioned but I'm happy it is that way. People often comment on how calm and focused she is and encouraging this is a priority for me. I was the type of child who could sit down with a book for an hour aged three and, if ever she's the same, I'd like to help her grow that way as I think it's a great skill to have nowadays. Also have time to think, be bored, be in your world.
Now, within twenty minutes of us being here, the childminder put her in a room with two other kids, turned on a light show and put nursery rhymes so loud that I started getting a headache. Kids were encouraged to "play" instruments but were just banging stuff around. My daughter started screaming and was hard to calm down. It was clearly too much for her. Now, the childminder said she'd get used to it and I'm sure she will. But I'm not sure I want her to!! In my book, you either play (but learn not to bang stuff too much) or sing along but not two at the same time or at least not with music to the max and not with a light show on top.
When she said there was an emphasis on music I was delighted as my parents were opera singers and i want her to grow up with music. But I didn't expect it would be this!?! The music was left on in the background the rest of the time and that really did my head in. She asked me if I had done any baby sensory stuff and I said no, and she seemed to think it was something to fix. We do a lot of music at home, I sing and play instruments, she does too, we listen to everything from symphonic to reggae and R&B but at an appropriate level. And if we don't listen actively, we turn it off after a while as silence is also important.
Basically, I don't want to seem unrealistic as I of course realise a childminder will be noisy due to children being around and that's ok. But what I'm asking is: do you think my concern is ridiculous? Or do we think this constant display of noise and excitement and lack of focus can destroy my child's ability to concentrate?
I asked about quiet play time and she said they have it once a day after naps.
What's your experience?
I like this childminder so I'm after reassurance I guess.
Thanks a lot!