Do I need to pay for this?

[tryingharder92]

My kids, nearly 3 and 8 months, have just started to go to a local childminder. This is their third week and they seem happy. It all seems to be going well. When we started we were asked to bring a drink each for the kids (water or juice). My daughter takes weak diluted juice and my son just water. Anyway today I go to pick them up and I was told my daughter had spilled her drink in the sofa (very nice light coloured fabric sofa) and that if it didn't come off she would have to have it cleaned and would I pay for it. Now I think it will come off with a good wash but if it doesn't will I be responsible for this at all. It's hardly unusual when having toddlers and drinks is it? Aibu to say no?

No.
She’s a childminder, she’s insured and it’s wear and tear on her goods.

Her problem, not yours. If she was worried about spills, she shouldn't have allowed your daughter to have juice on the sofa.

Check your contract but no, I would say this is part of their business overheads.
If you have kids in your house for your job, things are going to need professionally cleaned occasionally! If she doesn't want this to happen then she needs a 'no drinks and food on the couch' rule which is what I had when my kids were toddlers (although I eventually gave up because my sofas were totally knackered anyway).
Depends how much you need the childcare but I would push back gently and say that you really don't think you need to pay for this.

No! How odd. I can't imagine my childminder doing this in a million years. Definitely don't pay.

The childminder is bonkers for having any nice, light coloured furniture around a load of small children and is a CF for expecting you to pick up the cost for her foolish decision. She should be pleased it's squash and not wee or worse.

Hahaha erm no way!

I'd be looking for a new CM, this seems so bonkers that it'll be the start of many arguments

I would pay to keep the peace but only send your daughter with water from now on. 3 is a bit young for squash anyway.

She is the supervising adult and is responsible for whatever the children do under her care.

Spills are a normal part of her day and she needs to be prepared to deal with them

Noooo. You should not have to pay for that.

And 3 is not too young for squash 🙄

Check your contract. I'd be asking children to use any way up cups if I was letting them have squash in the lounge, at least older ones who have the strength to get anything out of them.

No way should you pay

No don't pay, as a childminder she should have insurance that covers this kind of thing.

Also, what kind of childminder makes you supply your own drinks? This is odd. Meals yes, some childminders ask for a packed lunch but not drinks. Is she registered? Is she new to childminding?

My 2yo was fairly reliably potty trained and did s massive wee on the childminders new sofa through the (bespoke) covers, and foam onto the floor.

CM frustrated (unlike dd2) but no more was said. I thought she was foolish having such a posh sofa.

No, cheeky and unprofessional of her to ask.

Nope - she's "in loco parentis" - she's responsible. Why on earth would any sensible childminder have a nice, light coloured fabric sofa anyway?! Bonkers.

Firstly. She doesn't even provide drinks for the kids?! Then sulks that a toddler split some juice on her ridiculous coloured sofa.

Yeah no. Go get a new CM. She's an idiot.

No, you shouldn't.
If she's that bothered about the sofa, she shouldn't let the children sit on it and eat/drink.
It's a hazard of the job. What's she going to do when a child vomits on her carpet or something?

She sounds ridiculously unprofessional. What childcare provider doesn’t provide drinks and tries to charge parents when a child spills something? Also, does she not have insurance? I’d be looking for someone else sharpish.

Lol. Nice try on her behalf.

@vanillandhoney

Nope - she's "in loco parentis" - she's responsible. Why on earth would any sensible childminder have a nice, light coloured fabric sofa anyway?! Bonkers.

This!

no.

1. she shoudl have insurance
2. I alwyas served drinks and snacks at table and only at the table, her problem if she lets them eat on sofa

Good grief, of course you shouldn't be expected to pay her cleaning bill!! Ask her about her insurance and tell her to claim on that.

Absolutely you shouldn’t expected to pay. I’m surprised she’s asked especially if it’s only weak squash.

But I do think it’s a bit odd that people think childminders should have nice stuff. You do realise that it’s their home and they might like to enjoy their surroundings outside of work hours?