childcare

[PaulaMummyKnowsBest]

If you had a choice between childminder and nanny, which would you choose and what would be the deciding factor for you?

They are two entirely different types of childcare! It all depends on what your circumstances are - whether you have one child or several, if any of those children have additional needs, full time or part time, regular 8am-5pm or lates/weekends/shifts, live in the middle of nowhere or in an area with access to local childminders, and money is a factor too.

Well obviously cost is a factor, if you have several DC then it could well be more expensive. But for me having gone from having a nanny to a CM the differences were really noticeable.

Also in my case the nanny came straight from a nursery so was on a lower salary, but the CM was a mother, so had lots of experience with DC in a home environment.

(My nanny was a bit rubbish at cooking and couldn't drive and had other issues - so has put me off having a nanny for awhile, perhaps not a true comparison!)

My CM is fabulous, and my DC adore playing with her DC and the after schoolies she has. It's like a playdate for them!

But getting the DC to the CM is a pain, and rushing home to pick them up in time is also a bit of a pain. Would be nice to have the flexibility of a nanny again, not having to get them ready before I leave in the morning.

BUT - I love the fact that any mess is made at the CM's house!!! But do miss having someome help with nursery duties. My ironing pile is never ending now without a nanny!