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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not be keen on a childminder who can't spell or use basic punctuation or grammar in her ad?

48 replies

ChopMonster · 06/08/2011 14:12

Ok, I'm probably being judgy. My own grammar isn't always the best. But surely when you have an advert for your childminding business (or any business for that matter), it should look professional, not like it's been written by a 15 year old on Facebook? It just puts me off going to meet and her find out more about her.

Oh and before you say it, yes she could be dyslexic or have other SN. But for a business advert, you'd get it checked, no?

Do I need a hard hat?

OP posts:
GypsyMoth · 06/08/2011 14:14

Are you intending to have her teach your kids or just mind them?

squeakytoy · 06/08/2011 14:14

Depends on what her other skills are. As she wont be teaching children to read or write, it wouldnt bother me too much. I would be more interested in her cleanliness, and general attitude.

I agree though, she should ask someone to spell check for her.

OurPlanetNeptune · 06/08/2011 14:17

Chop, I agree with you 100%. It is unprofessional and I always steer clear of businesses that have shoddy ads.

Kewcumber · 06/08/2011 14:22

you don't need a hard hat - you need to feel comfortable with your childcare. Personally I went with a kind woman over one who could spell (she couldn't), one with a mad household of kids and dogs and an actively involved DH because its what I wanted for DS. I also judged her by how her oen children were (nice and polite and active)

Its your choice but you will rule out some people who might be perfect for your children.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 06/08/2011 14:25

yes what Kewc said

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 06/08/2011 14:27

Agree with what Kewcumber said. It's entirely different in a business setting where you're competing against others. The 'buyer' holds all the cards and can make their own decisions about the person they want looking after their children. Your choice.

As already said though, you may exclude somebody who would be very good, but your choice.

AmberLeaf · 06/08/2011 14:30

I think that as she is trying to advertise her business she should make sure that everything is presented properly, if she isnt confident in her own abilities to do so then yes seek out help from someone capable.

All that said, she isnt teaching your child, she is caring for them and there are far more important qualities that you should look for in a childminder.

TotemPole · 06/08/2011 14:32

Will she be helping them with homework?

I'm fairly certain it would put me off. Being dyslexic or SN wouldn't make a difference to me. Anyone who's in a position to influence the DC's spelling then the reason why would be irrelevant.

Andrewofgg · 06/08/2011 14:36

YANBU. She is going to be a big influence on your DC.

Kewcumber · 06/08/2011 14:45

Yes she will be a big influence on your DC's. You need to decide for yourself what you value. If you value someone who is business like and can spell perhaps because your DC are at the homework age and she will be doing it with them not you then yes of course you should rule her out (and anyone similar). Or perhaps just because it irritates you that is enough.

My DS who spent nearly 3 years at his childminder who was rubbish at the forms/diary/spelling/business side of childminding. But he still mentions her today (he's nearly 6) and the things they did and her children. And he was significantly above national average at the end of reception for reading, writing and numeracy so I have to presume that whatever influence she had wasn't detrimental (or maybe he would have been a genius if only I'd found a better speller to care for him when he was 1!)

But if it irritates you, don't see her. If you are lucky then you will have plenty of choice of excellent childminders in your area and you can choose someone with better business/spelling skills.

Nancy66 · 06/08/2011 14:49

That's pretty much what you're going to get with childminders though - nursery staff too for that matter.

SheCutOffTheirTails · 06/08/2011 14:49

Totally agree with Kewcumber - kindness counts for so much when choosing a childminder. S

Lara2 · 06/08/2011 14:57

Definately - go for caring, kindness, love and fun every time.

ProfessionallyOffendedGoblin · 06/08/2011 15:01

It would bother me, but it would also depend more on her other qualities.
Patience, a SOH and a willingness to tolerate eccentricity would be more important to me.
Not a deal-breaker in the way that a smoker, a dirty house or constant reality TV and soaps would be.

HoneyPablo · 06/08/2011 15:02

I don't agree. You can be caring, good with children and know how to spell and use basic grammar.
It is not a prerequisite that you have to be thick to care for children.
How fucking insulting.

rubyrubyruby · 06/08/2011 15:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ImperialBlether · 06/08/2011 15:06

It would REALLY bother me. For one thing it would look like she couldn't care less and for another I'd want a childminder to have a love of books and language (does that sound awful?)

FeelingOld · 06/08/2011 15:08

Nancy66 thats a bit of an unfair sweeping statememt.

I am a Childminder and I have 9 'O' levels (showing my age now!!) and 3 'A' levels plus other qualifications which were relevent to the career i had before having children. I know lots of Childminders who are well educated so I am rather aghast at your statement.

I agree that advertising etc should be spelt correctly, as it does give a bad impression whatever the business may be. I do not however think this would make her a bad childminder. She will not be 'teaching' them but will be following the EYFS through play and experience and I would be more concerned about how caring and stimulating her care is.
However if her spelling is important to you and it makes you uncomfortable then I would say look for someone else.

HoneyPablo · 06/08/2011 15:10

My comment was to nancy66 not the OP. I agree with the OP. Everybody should be able to spell and use basic punctuation and grammar. Especially if you care for children.

rubyrubyruby · 06/08/2011 15:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

balijay · 06/08/2011 15:12

Nancy that is one of the most insulting things I have ever read on MN.

ImperialBlether · 06/08/2011 15:15

How could you have 3 English O Levels, ruby? English language, English literature and...?

rubyrubyruby · 06/08/2011 15:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Andrewofgg · 06/08/2011 15:19

Someone who can't be bothered to get her advert right is somebody who can't be bothered. That is what would worry me.

HeyYouJimmy · 06/08/2011 15:20

If you had a choice, which one would you pick:

CM1 is academically great but is refusing to go in an ambulance with your DC to hospital, after a bad fall and a very deep cut to your DC's head, because she wants you to get out of work and go instead.

OR

CM2 is dyslexic, phones you in same situation and asks you to speak to the paramedic to let her make decisions (based on what she knows you'd want) about your DC's treatment. She does this because "The sooner your DC gets the needed treatment, the better chance of recovery they have".

I know which one I'd pick TBH. I think this is a situation where the book shouldn't necessarily be judged by it's cover.

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