To think SAHM should get priority over childminders at busy toddler groups?

[HulkMama]

Just wondering how people feel about childminders taking groups of children to a free toddler group that routinely turns stay at home mums away because they are full?

It's a church run group so they don't want to turn anyone away, I get that, but if there isn't room for everyone should childminders be taking up the places that parents with their own kids need?

Childminders are being paid to look after the kids! I just want to get out of the house and have a bit of adult conversation!

Comments from childminders welcome. 😉

The groups are mainly for the toddlers not the carers though, they shouldn't miss out because they are with a childminder rather than a parent, which is what would happen if you wanted the group to start turning away childminders in favour of SAHP. First come first served is fairer.

Getting there early would mean getting there over 15 minutes early to beat the cue.
I don't drive and although there are other groups they require more time on the bus than we would spend at the group!

Kids at a childminder are already socialising with other kids (not to mention the childminder is being paid!) So why turn away half a dozen mums in favour of a couple of childminders?

And?

Just wondering how people feel about childminders taking groups of children to a free toddler group

I think the matter of money throws a different light on it. The CMs, who are being paid to look after DC, shouldn't get free places in preference to ordinary folks.
Also, the groups are primarily for the DC but serve a function for the parents too. SAHP will find friendships but I doubt the CM will.

What's wrong with getting there 15 mins early? Offer to help set up. They always need help for that

They turn away mums instead of child minders, well becuase it's first come first serve!

Why shouldn't a child be allowed to attend a child's group just becuase they have parents that work The group Is for children, the child minders is bringing children

My CM always took my toddler to playgroup and I loved her for that - sometimes he was the only child she had that day and it gave him other toddler interaction. YABU

The stay and play I take DD to at our local children's centre is for parents and carers only. I agree that the needs of parents and the needs of CMs are completely different.

Why does it matter that we are being paid? I fail to see the logic. Do you think we go for our own benefit?

YABU - its not for the adults its for the kids.

Children who go to CM are children the same as any other and Im sure enjoy it just as much.

As a SAHM you can get there earlier

Either speak to the organisers and ask if there is a way round it. I don't think you should go with the attitude you're displaying right now. Or go and queue.

You look down on childminders? They have just as much right to be there as you.

The minders, I mean - have no less need for the group. YABU, sorry.

If I had to use a childminder I would actually actively seek one that attends toddler groups so I think yabu. The childminders obviously get there early, nothing stopping you getting there 15 minutes early or offering to help set up etc.

So everyone here would be fine with a local day nursery turning up with a room full of kids?

I'd agree get there earlier, the fact you don't drive and don't want to turn up fifteen mins early is no reason to treat childminders as second class. The toddlers groups are also for the benefit of the children, not just so you can get some adult conversation and the children it benefits incs the charges of rhe childminders.

Unreasonable.

Arg- autocorrect. Mindees I mean!

'So everyone here would be fine with a local day nursery turning up with a room full of kids?'
Yep. My child goes to nursery. Is she not allowed to attend toddler groups?

OP, would you be prepared to look 3 children in the face who had been there 15 mins early with their CM and tell them they can't come in today because there's a mum with her children coming.
It's ridiculous.
I get your point slightly, but 15 mins early isn't going to kill you.

So everyone here would be fine with a local day nursery turning up with a room full of kids?

Huge lol, is that rhe most extreme and unlikely example you can think of? 😂

I see what you mean. Whilst parent and toddler groups are for the children one of the ways they do that is by enabling parents to meet other parents to build a support network etc. Childminders are paid to mind children not chat and make friends.

I think that does make a difference.

Btw the group never needs the childminders to make up the numbers. They always reach the 40 kids max.

No, i have no interest in setting up my own group.

Our local childrens centres budget got slashed (library too) so we lost 4 toddler groups in our area.

Very - dont think that analogy quite works due to how nurserys run but in theory no, if they are there before me then its tough luck

Hmmm. I don't understand why you can't get there 15 minutes early.

I've been to two types, one where childminders weren't allowed and one where they were. Tbh I preferred the one where they were allowed as the other one was full of tight knit groups of mums and I kind of sat on the edges watching all the kids.