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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If your child ruins your childminders things..?

110 replies

NotForSale · 20/06/2017 10:31

My DS had diarrhoea and vomiting all over the childminders wool rug. Completely ruined it.
Part of the job?
Buy her a new rug?

OP posts:
JuicyStrawberry · 20/06/2017 10:59

No you shouldn't have to replace it. If it was nursery or school you wouldn't have to so what makes a childminder any different? That is their job whether it's in their home or not. They should factor in accidents happening when their job involves looking after children.

Quartz2208 · 20/06/2017 11:00

As long as you did not send him in knowing that he was sick then its not your fault. These things can hit very unexpectedly!

mickeysminnie · 20/06/2017 11:00

Did you know the child the child was sick when you sent them in?
If so, then yes, you should pay!

JeffVadersMum · 20/06/2017 11:01

you shouldnt have to pay to replace it, but if you think she is a good one and doing a good job, it would be nice to offer something towards replacement

ChasedByBees · 20/06/2017 11:02

I wouldn't expect a childminder to have something expensive that could be ruined so easily in the room unless they were prepared to write it off in this circumstance. Do they want you to replace it?

HappyFlappy · 20/06/2017 11:03

Risk of the job - your child wasn't ill intentionally.

hibbledobble · 20/06/2017 11:03

It is part of the job.

If you have a good relationship and are happy with her care it would be nice to offer a contribution if you can afford it.

brasty · 20/06/2017 11:04

Insurance will not cover it as there will be a mandatory excess. But part of the job.

category12 · 20/06/2017 11:05

If I liked my childminder, thought she looks after my dc well and was expecting to have her as my childminder for a long time, I would certainly offer to replace the rug or have it cleaned, rather than her having to claim it on her insurance or replace it herself. It might be what insurance is for, but if you claim you end up having to pay out more and it may be under her excess anyway.

I'd at least offer, if only for the good will.

BattleaxeGalactica · 20/06/2017 11:12

Part of the job.

I'm guessing though it's not a terribly precious and expensive artefact if it's in a room with small children so if she's a great CM who you value it might be nice to offer to clean or replace it for the sake of the working relationship. Chances are she'll say no anyway but she'll appreciate the gesture.

Katedotness1963 · 20/06/2017 11:14

I would offer to replace it.

purplecollar · 20/06/2017 11:15

My contents insurance has a £100 excess. As such I'd offer to pay. It won't be "free" for her, whether she claims on the insurance or not.

JellieTot · 20/06/2017 11:15

Part of the job - however, it would be kind to offer to buy a new one

AddictedtoSnickers · 20/06/2017 11:16

Offer to hire a rugdoctor for the day? You could clean your carpets first to get a full days use out of it.

quizqueen · 20/06/2017 11:16

I work in a children's nursery and the NHS recommendations are, if a child has been sick or had diarrhoea, then they are not allowed back for 48 hours. Does the same rule apply to child minders? I don't know what the case is, I am just asking because, if your child had been ill at home previously, then I would suggest you replace the rug. If it could not be foreseen then you are not responsible.

AndNowItIsSeven · 20/06/2017 11:18

Part of the job , plus how well was the childminder watching the child for them to get both vomit and poo on the rug.

MarcelineTheVampire · 20/06/2017 11:18

Whilst no, you wouldn't have to replace if it was nursery, you tend to pay a lot more for a less personal service - a great CM is hard to find, someone who would really care for your child and go the extra mile.

I do think it is part of the job but I think you should at least offer- I'm finding the hard nosed attitude of some posters really difficult to fathom, surely it's the polite thing to do? At least buy flowers- this is the person you trust with your child Confused

CadnoDrwg · 20/06/2017 11:22

I'd say occupational hazard, however a kind gesture wouldn't go amiss to show that you appreciate dealing with D&V and the ruination of their rug.

Either a gift or a contribution towards a new rug would be a polite thing to do but not a required thing to do IMO.

MatildaTheCat · 20/06/2017 11:23

Offer to pay to have it professionally cleaned? Unless it is a very shaggy rug I can't see why it wouldn't come up ok. If it's in her working area I would presume it's not an antique Indian artefact.

Snap8TheCat · 20/06/2017 11:23

It's quite common for children to vomit and lose control of their bowels at the same time. No need to start accusing the cm of not watching the children when we don't know. Can't we assume something nice about a cm for once? That she bathed and comforted the child, changed their clothes and soothed their tears. Called mum and watched other children all at the same time. Ensuring they keep a distance to prevent them getting ill and trying to clean up her home too.

waitforitfdear · 20/06/2017 11:24

quiz 24 hour rule should apply across the board

AndNow don't be silly do you have children?

Op as a ex CM no way would I expect you to pay for it. Ofstdd reg cms do have insurance but they also have 'wear and tear' allowance and you add that to your yearly expenses to offset against tax payments

teaping · 20/06/2017 11:31

I don't think you would be expected to pay for it, these things happen and surely it's par for the course when caring for small children. I imagine a childminder is likely not to have too many expensive / prized possessions in the areas of the house used for childcare for that very reason. However; I personally would offer to have it cleaned and failing that I'd replace it myself.

Id view it as a goodwill gesture and respect for the childminder and her home.

strawberrygate · 20/06/2017 11:39

plus how well was the childminder watching the child for them to get both vomit and poo on the rug

hahah. brilliant. that didn't take long did it. IMO toddlers and babies usually give a good 10 minutes warning before vomiting or squirty poos. Or do they?

Pinkheart5912 · 20/06/2017 11:39

The job is looking after children so it's hardly a surprise when these things happen

I would next expect to replace the rug no

If my child was naughty and broke an item then yes I'd replace it but this was not caused by naughtiness

Tippitoesandbuttonnose · 20/06/2017 11:39

I worked in a nursery and we would never have asked parents to pay for cleaning/replacement of carpets, floors and once our carpetted climbing frame when child has pooed weed or vommitted on them. Part of the job!

And if she looks after children in her own home then she is responsible for making sure she wouldn't be upset at anything broken/ruined.

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