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Original poster

Childminder, please help! What did she mean by this?

29 replies

BlueberrySea · 11/01/2019 09:01

I'm looking for some insight from any childminders who might be able to give me a steer on this...

My DD (just turned one) started with a CM this week - Monday and Tuesday mornings. She will be going three days a week. CM is very experienced, Ofsted outstanding at 2 last inspections, and I think very nice.

DD was upset both mornings - to be expected - but when I collected her on Tuesday, CM said 'she was crying on and off, but it was just crocodile tears, so I just ignored and she got the message'.

Is this really as bad as it sounds, or am I reading too much into it? Did she actually mean - she was sad but no tears, so I just carried on as normal and distracted her?

For context - very anxious first time mum, 13 months Mat Leave, we practice gentle parenting. I am finding the transition back to work and DD into childcare very difficult! I don't want to alienate CM but am quite worried about this.

Thank you x

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MsForestier · 11/01/2019 09:40

She doesn't sound very empathetic. I'd look for someone else.

Livingthedream44 · 11/01/2019 09:30

My instinct as a mum would be to bundle my child up and go and look for another childminder.
It may just be that her style of parenting is different but I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving a baby with her if that was her way of dealing with a little one being distressed. It's not as if a one year is old is old enough to be reasoned with. They just need reassurance!

moredoll · 11/01/2019 09:21

I'm surprised she has an Ofsted outstanding rating. Speak to her about how you parent. Her response will tell you whether or not you need to look for another childminder.

FortunesFave · 11/01/2019 09:12

I wouldn't like it. It sounds very insensitive. Obviously a CM with other children can't go to a child every single time they cry....but to say that to the child's Mother seems a bit crass.

I would personally look for someone with more of a gentle approach. 1 year olds don't do "crocodile tears" ffs. They're babies! They don't fake cry.

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