Considering childminding and have some questions

[MrsGravy]

I have 3 kids, a 6 year old in school full time, a 4 year old who will start full time in September and a 9 month old.

I've thought about childminding on and off for a while but have a few concerns - I wonder if anyone can help me with them:

My house is small, a 3 bed semi with a living room, play room, kitchen. So I'd only really want a couple of children - would this be worth it financially?

How do you get your housework done?! Obviously I clean during the day with my kids around but can you do that while childminding? I'm not talking about hours and hours spent cleaning while ignoring the kids of course but just quick jobs like mopping the floor/hoovering/tidying up a bit. Also, how clean does your house need to be? Mine is by no means filthy but is definitely 'lived in'!!

How much extra work is there once the children have gone home? Do you end up spending the evenings on paperwork etc?

Lastly, how do your children cope with you childminding? Do they get jealous/fed up with the other kids?

Thanks!

Hi MrsGravy

Every penny will help finacially.

Think about the age you would like to childmind. Financially a baby would be better for you. But as you know they will need more of your attention.

Re house work, well that another matter. I do not always get my house work done. I childmind five and have four of my own. You get to clean here and there but its really at the weekend that you can clean properly. We deligate and get our kids to help out too.

I try to get the chidren to help clean up what they have taken out. Does not always work that way.

Its mainly our living room that messy and maybe the dishes etc. It will get done eventually.

PAPERWORK, PAPERWORK !! if you keep on top of it its managable. I am almost finishing a NVQ3 course so I am conquering this at present. To be honest there is quite a bit that you will be expected to do.

kids react differently to the childminding children.. One of my sons in the early stages hated me childminding. I try to make it welcoming for the children and at the same time allow my kids to have some space for themselves. For example my daughter is allowed to do gym after school. Your kids may not want to childminded children to do what they are doing all the time.

I am fair when dealing with my kids and the minded kids, I will correct either. I will not home in on the minded kids and allow my kids to get away with things.

Its a rewarding yet sometime challenging career. One thing I know for sure it allows me to be really flexible concerning what I can do for my family.

Been childminding three years in Sept.

All the best in your decision

Thanks Mum2. Wow - 9 kids in total! Sounds like you enjoy it though. I've sent off for info about the pre-registration course as there's apparently a waiting list so I might as well get on it while I decide!

The process has changed quite a lot since I started.

In the meantime MrsGravy read up on what other childminders are providing.

You can think about

How many you want to care for
What age group
WHat school run you want to do
Find out where your nearest childminding group is
How you want to advertise
Think about what you have to offer that will sell your business, let parents want to come to you ie highlight your strong point (large garden, or I live near to a park, large drive way for safe drop off/pick ups

Look at your competition and what they are providing. Do not under charge yourself as you will be doing a responsible and at times demanding job.

I jump at opportunities to do training as I am building up my portfilo.