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Original poster

CM Club: The impossibility of life as a parent & childminder

35 replies

Katymac · 12/05/2010 07:25

DD needs an emergency appointment today

I found out about midday yesterday

It's in Cambridge so 2hrs away, we have to prepare to be there for 3-4hrs the 2hrs back

Fortunately because of the way I work I have cover; but in 'normal' childminding circumstances we would be losing business hand over fist

It doesn't always work

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MUM2BLESS · 12/05/2010 14:32

Thanks Looneytune for your reply.

All the best Katy, a big hug from me too!!!!

MrsGokWan · 12/05/2010 14:13

thinking of you Katy. Hope that they can finally sort the problems your daughter is having out.

un=MNetty hugs to you both.

alibubbles · 12/05/2010 12:58

Thinking of you Katymac, perhaps we could meet up sometime in Cambridge when you are next there ( I used to live there so any excuse, DH lived on the same road as Addenbrookes, big posh houses!) xx

looneytune · 12/05/2010 11:09

{{{big hugs Katy}}} Hope everything is ok xx

MumtoBless - Katy has been minding ages and she is on a much bigger scale than most of us. Think she just needed some hugs as we all know it can be hard when last minute things come up. I've had a lot of that this year (medical appointments, extra days off) and I know how hard it is to let parents down. Luckily Katy has assistants but it must still have meant juggling stuff.

MUM2BLESS · 12/05/2010 10:57

I have had my challenges with doing both. After almost two years of childminding I am learning very fast.

I have had to make some adjustments with my hours etc. I do not work before 07.30 or try not to work after 18.00 Tried both and I am not compfortable with too early start or too late finish.

I have four childrne of my own. I mind 5 children also. You have to stay balance with the hours you work. I also have various children on my books that may come if the parnets need my help.

My kids cannot always attend things because I am childmidning.

During the holiday times I only have two little ones who come two seperate days each. I try to give my children more time during the hols. I know this is not always possible for childminders to do.

If a parent comes to me and the hours etc are not right I will not usually take it on. Its got to be right for my family also.

I do understand that not everyone is able to pick and choose as some minders are struggling to find work. Some are doing things for parents that they do not want to do just to keep the money coming in. Thats not an easy thing to do!!!!

How long have you been minding Katymac?

I do not regret childminding but I have had my challenges!!!

BoysAreLikeDogs · 12/05/2010 08:47

katy sending be strong vibes lovely lady x x x

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 08:43

I am so stressed today

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HSMM · 12/05/2010 08:07

Hope it goes OK with DD.

I know what you mean about juggling CM and parenting though. My DD got a last minute call to dance last Friday and if parents hadn't agreed to pick up their children early at short notice, she would have had to miss it.

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 07:42

Thanks AWNW - it is tricky isn't it

OP posts:
atworknotworking · 12/05/2010 07:30

Hope it all goes ok.

Sending your DD best wishes.

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