To think childminders should genuinely be interested in working with children?

[Isaidnono]

So many times I see this suggested to someone as just as way to make extra money and apart from the fact the training isn’t cheap, surely you should want to work as a childminder because you genuinely love children, not just as a convenient way to make money?

I know a TA who “hates other peoples children” but does it for the hours 😭

yanbu

YABVU

Well both is important. I don't look after your children just for the love of it, I also do it because I need money to pay my bills.

Ideally yes, but a lot of women, especially if they’re managing their own children, want a side hustle. TA, childminder…the hours fit.

Plus lots of people hate their job but happen to be good at it. Not everyone has to love their job.

I think that keeping children safe and occupied is enough. Also engaging with them.

Yanbu. But just like people working in care homes should be invested in the care and well-being of elderly people, I’m afraid it isn’t always the case. It’s just a job.

@CatGrins I’m not suggesting people do it for free but just suggesting it’s maybe one of those things where money isn’t the only motivating factor.

I was a cm for about 8 years and I made it my business to see every child I cared for as an extension of my own. I loved each one and grieved every child who would eventually leave.

I of course really enjoyed being my own boss and the money, but I would take kids to Alton Towers and treat them to big birthday parties all from my own expense. I think it made me love my job more really. It was an honour. Very difficult at times, but wonderful.

Most people work for the money rather than love of the job.

It certainly isn't a convenient way to make money- I wish!! Nearly a year to get registered, we're inspected under the same framework as nurseries and preschools, have to have training including safeguarding and first aid, the whole family need DBS checks, Ofsted move the goal posts all the time and you're house is never your own because there's always work stuff around, or other people's children.
No, definitely NOT convenient......!!!

Why?

I'm not saying they shouldn't do the job well, I'm asking why does love of the job have to be the motivating factor? As I said, plenty of people dislike their job but are good at it.

I personally love my job. But the money and flexibility is a massive part of it. Parents are a major downside to the job and almost exclusively in the 'cons' column.

You’re right, but it should be a prerequisite of any work involving care of the vulnerable, that you have the fundamental qualities which the job entails - empathy, patience, a kind disposition - not always the case, as I don’t know how you would monitor it. Psychometric testing, maybe?

If you are doing it just for the money and you don’t love children, in order to be good at it you would have to do a great impression of being someone who loves kids. Maybe some people can fake it, but it would be very hard.

Well that's exactly my point, lots of people have those qualities and are great with children. But they can still not 'love' their job.

I work in a nursery. It's clear a lot of people don't expect the work to be hard, but it is in fact a very hard slog. If you don't care about the children you will not last long IME.

They should, but I have always had the impression that most do it as a matter of convenience. It’s part of why we were careful to avoid that method of child care for our child. I know nursery workers are there for the paycheck, but at least that comes with more oversight and the reassurance of multiple caregivers able to monitor one another.