Childminder Club: Help re food

Despite the fact that my family and I eat healthily (most of the time) and I would be able to provide meals for mindees if I had the inclination to do so, I don't want to get into doing this as they can be an absolute minefield (little Johnny won't eat anything that might have come into contact with a cucumber, little Jane will only eat mush encased in breadcrumbs etc).

Therefore, I request that parents send food with their children. I can provide meals, but would charge an extortionate rate of £3.50 per meal (and parents know that this is to dissuade them from asking!!!)

Having said that, children sometimes arrive having had no breakfast (so I'll happily provide toast, fruit, yogurt, whatever) and occasionally forget to bring lunch (so I wouldn't make them starve), and I don't charge coz I'm soft!!

I supply afterchoolers with snacks/drinks at no extra charge, and will encourage littlies to try things that I eat too (roll on the pumpkin seeds!).

I know we are supposed to encourage ultra-healthy eating at all costs (I've been on courses!), but I don't want to preach to parents on what to feed their children. Parents sometimes ask what the other children might have for lunch, so I can push the fruit and yogurt angle.

Oops, getting on my soapbox again! I think that what u are charging is extremely reasonable. Some minders I know don't charge for meals or snacks, but then might charge higher hourly rates (not sure what your's are).

I think baked beans on toast

1/2 Jacket potato with beans/cheese/coleslaw

Ham/cheese sandwiches

Pitta bread with various fillings

Cheese and ham toasties

Plenty of cucumber/carrot/celery sticks and tomatoes etc And fruit or yoghurt for dessert.

I would be happy with cold lunch if dinner was always cooked. Would not be happy with a marmite sandwich though or jam, has to be a proper filling (fussy aren't I)