Best childminding tip / ideas..........?

[Jenum71]

Anyone got any great childminding tips or ideas they would like to share?

Have a routine!!! I never had much of one with ds which was fine but now I soooo need a routine with the 3 of them, their naps, school run times etc etc. Just trying to get mine to settle into the new routine

What type of tips are you after???

H x

Yeah I know what you mean about a routine - even if only for me!

Any tips really, just trying to get to know people on here!

No telly! one of the reasons that swung my hcoice of childminder.

also means i feel less guilty about plonking ds in front of a video at mealtimes....

What, no telly at all? We don't watch very much, but there are times when 15 minutes chill time is just what everyone needs. If a childminder says they NEVER watch any, I would maybe be a bit suspicious... . There is a time and a place (and obviously suitable and unsuitable programmes!).

We have had the telly on twice in the last 6 months - bith on days when it was too hot to go out and too hot in our conservatory

We have also watched telly when someone is too ill to bounce (occasionally me) - but maybe 3 or 4 times in the last 2 years

katymac - good on you!
blod (if I mauy call you that!) it's just that I prefer to choose myself when and where my ds watches telly.
my childminder takes the children to the park for over an hour every afternoon - unless there's a hurrcane or a major heatwave, and plays music rather than telly. in france they're only allowed a max of 3 kids to look after though, which may make things easier.

Teeavee,
Lucky you living in France - I love France. I know what you mean about choosing when and what your ds watches. I must admit that I am very selective over what my mindees watch. My favourites are Storytime, Words & Pictures and Rat-a-Tat-Tat, which are actually all schools programmes. They are great for expanding upon with Storysacks, painting, singing, cooking, collecting etc. We've been in the park today aswell though .

Jenum71 - sorry if we hijacked your thread. I would agree with the routine bit too. Are you new to childminding?

No problem Blodwen!

Yes I am new to childminding and finding it a little bit overwhelming at the mo, just trying to get into it!

Try reading old threads with Childminder's Club on the titles, there is a lot of info in them

There's lots of ideas, advice and support on here! Are you busy with children, or looking to fill spaces?

those activities sound great, blodwen - tv can be educational too, I know. I think I have more of an 'issue' with it over here, tbh. kids tv isn't half as good as at home!
Am I right in thinking that ll childminders must have an NVQ 3 now (Ithink it's the case in Wales, not sure about england and scotland though)?

No you dont have to have an nvq if i read that correctly just a valid peadiactric first aid, pre reg course and crb check.

More tips:-
Always get more carrier bags than you need when shopping

• for mindies to take home their arts & crafts
• for collecting mindies from preschool where you are presented with a pile of wet paintings & nothing to put them in
• for mindies to take home soiled clothing
• for when you run out of nappy sacks (or for double wrapping nappy sacks)
• to put over the backs of your dining chairs (unless you like the paint & yoghurt fingerprint effect on your furniture)
• to cut open and use as table/floor protectors