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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if this would put you off using the childminder?

212 replies

Writerwannabe83 · 02/10/2014 19:30

Me and DH are currently in the process of searching for a childminder ready for when I return after Maternity. Depending on when I go back DS will be 9 or 12 months of age.

I met two childminders last week and neither of them felt right and the idea of leaving DS with them made me feel quite anxious. I told my DH I didn't want to use either of them. There was nothing specific about them that I didn't like but my gut instinct was that they weren't right for DS.

Tonight we met a 3rd one (and her husband and children) and she was really lovely. I instantly warmed to her, the house was really child friendly and there were toys everywhere and lots of stimulating games and activities and I just felt really comfortable talking to her and being in her company, as did my DH.

However, before we left she mentioned she had 6 dogs Hmm There are two poodles, two shnausers (no idea how to spell it) a Doberman and a Bulldog. She showed me where they are kept and they have their own area which although is part of the house they are caged in so don't have access to the main house. It's a nice big space, lots of beds and underfloor heating and they have their own door that leads to their own fenced off and secure part of the garden - they are not able to access the main garden area.

Am I being unreasonable to feel uneasy about the dogs and not send DS to her because of them even though she is perfect in every other way?

My DH thinks I'm worrying too much and he'd have no problem sending DS there. But I just don't know.

OP posts:
Writerwannabe83 · 04/10/2014 15:48

You'd have thought so..

I've got a profile on a childcare website to advertise for what type of care I require (days and times etc) and I have amended my Profile to specify I would prefer a childminder with no dogs Smile

OP posts:
Writerwannabe83 · 05/10/2014 19:32

I've just seen on the news that a 6 month old baby has been killed by a dog Sad Decision has definitely been made!

OP posts:
Writerwannabe83 · 05/10/2014 19:32

I've just seen on the news that a 6 month old baby has been killed by a dog Sad Decision has definitely been made!

OP posts:
Nicola19 · 05/10/2014 20:37

Think of all that barking!

Writerwannabe83 · 05/10/2014 20:40

We're meeting another CM tomorrow and then another one on Wednesday so fingers crossed we have some luck with them.

OP posts:
wigfieldrocks · 05/10/2014 21:36

Presumably she has had her home assessed as being a safe environment in which to run a childminding business? I'm surprised that keeping 6 dogs could ever be deemed as safe in these circumstances, as others have said what if a gate was left open? And I just can't see why anyone needs/wants 6 dogs if they are just locked up all day. This would ring alarm bells for me, the trouble is a lot if dog owners will swear their dogs are safe and child friendly but the truth is no dog is 100% trustworthy around children. I think you should follow your instincts.

wigfieldrocks · 05/10/2014 21:37

Oops sorry! X post

Elfina · 05/10/2014 22:06

No, because it sounds like a friggin zoo. No thanks.

fromparistoberlin73 · 05/10/2014 23:27

you have to go with your gut, and it says NOOOO

there will be other CM/Nurseries

inconceivableme · 06/10/2014 08:27

I'd never use a childminder with one dog, let alone 6. The arrangement doesn't sound fair on either the animals or the children in this situation and the smallest risk of something tragic happening would mean I'd never feel comfortable with the set up, sorry.

Writerwannabe83 · 08/10/2014 10:19

A CM I'm due to visit next week has just contacted me to let me know she has 2 dogs. She said they are kept away from the children and away from the living area and usually in crates Hmm

I'm not a fan of dogs but I'm starting to feel sorry for the ones who belong to Childminders Sad

OP posts:
christmashope · 08/10/2014 13:13

I'm
A childminder and love dogs however I don't have any and don't plan to whilst I am childminding.
I personally don't think the job and dogs mix. That's just my personal point of view.
If I ever give up childminding first on my list to do is to get a dog!

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