Childminder and Nursery - what is a good balance

[theressomethingaboutmarie]

We use a fantastic local childminder and have done so since my DD was 6 months old. DD is now three and so I thought that it would be good for her to have a couple of days at nursery to get used to a larger scale environment.

DD now gets upset at the idea of going to the childminers as opposed to nursery which is obviously upsetting for DH and me too.

CM suggested that DD perhaps do 4/5 mornings or afternoons at nursery and the rest of the time with her. Does that seem a better balance? Have I approached this all wrong?

Would appreciate advice as am getting myself a little worked up about this

It sounds as your childminder is thinking about different options and talking to you about it. I would consider what she recommends as she will know your DD better than anyone here.

Mornings may be a good idea, as she can have lots of friends and fun in the morning and a more relaxed quieter time in a home environment in the afternoon.

If it doesn't work then continue to speak to your childminder about what would be best for her.

Thanks RosieGirl. The CM is fantastic and experienced so I'll definitely take her suggestions into consideration. Has anyone else done a mix of childminder and nursery?

My 3 year old DD has just started with a childminder (1.5 days a week) as well as a nursery (10 hours a week, 9am - 2pm). We have a nanny but she's leaving as I am on maternity leave.

Like you, we put her into nursery for the social environment. I did worry quite a bit about her settling into 2 new environments after being with a nanny for so long but it has actually worked out fine. She still clings to me when dropped off at nursery but once I'm gone, apparently she's fine and happy. In your case, I think that it works well as a mixture as you get both the social/home aspects and it creates continuity as your DD is used to going to a childminder. Plus the mornings in nursery and afternoons at childminder sounds good. good luck, I'm sure your DD will benefit from both types of childcare, especially as she gets older.

oops, meant to say that for nursery, it's 10 hours a week, spread over 2 days

We've used a childminder from DD being 1 when I went back to work. DD has just started school nursery and goes every afternoon, but is with the CM in the mornings that I work.

This seems to be a good balance and in my view slowly introducing her into the bigger school type environment.

I would have preferred DD to go to nursery in the mornings and have quieter afternoons, but school only had afternoon places available.

Have done exactly the same thing - started my DS at nursery for a few days when he was 3. I think what your CM is suggesting sounds a good balance. My DS goes to nursery 2 days and CM 3 but were we staying (we're moving in a few weeks), I would definitely up the balance so it was tipped more in favour of nursery (my DS is 3.8) as he prefers going there. I know he still loves his CM but I think nursery is probably more fun.

Sorry, that's a bit of a ramble but hope it's helpful!