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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

CM - advice please - taking mindees out

11 replies

gardenpixies32 · 09/06/2011 22:27

Hi,

I am starting to worry slightly that some of my parents might not be happy that I don't take their children out.

Basically, Tuesdays & Wednesdays are busy days for me. I have 3 under 2 years, 12, 13 and 14 months. I only take them to the park for an hour or so. We don't go to any play groups etc as I don't live within walking distance of them and I can't fit the double buggy in the boot of my car! I take 2 of them out on Monday's and one of them to the library on Thursday's, however, the little one who attend on Tuesdays & Wednesdays goes nowhere! Should I be worrying about this. Parents havent complained or mentioned this to me but I am a worrier!

What do you cms think or suggest?

Thanks!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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thisisyesterday · 09/06/2011 22:30

am not a CM, but as a mum personally i wouldn't mind if you didn't take them out... i would want my childcare to be a "home from home", and at home i don't take my kids out every day so would be more than happy with a nice childminder who did a good job who my children were happy with. that's the most important thing imo.

that said, could you do a trip on the bus now and then perhaps? or invest in a smaller umbrella fold double buggy or something so that you had the option of going out if the parent's would prefer it?

5318008 · 09/06/2011 22:37

with the nicer weather you could move to taking snack/lunch to the park

can you arrange to meet other CMs there? for a bit of socialising, with other children, I mean

(3 under two ? I take my hat off !)

Original poster

gardenpixies32 · 09/06/2011 22:37

Thanks for the reply Thisisyesterday. The bus is a good idea, the only problem is I would need a triple buggy and they dont fit through doors so I think I would have a problem on buses and getting through doors!

OP posts:

Original poster

gardenpixies32 · 09/06/2011 22:41

It is hard work PP. But luckily it is only 2 days a week so far. I have another 12 month old starting in September 3 days a week. So I will have 3 under two all week. I sleep well at night!

OP posts:

Dysgu · 09/06/2011 22:59

My CM does not seem to take my children out very often and I do not have any problem with that. DD2 (aged 2.5yo) is there for 3 full days a week and seems to love whatever they do.

They do go to Rhyme time once a week and today they went to a toddler group for the first time. Maybe once a month they go to a CM club at the local Children's Centre (which is on the one full day DD1 (aged 4.9yo) does with CM and she loves that!)

Mostly they hang out in the house, with the other children as CM works with another CM and an assistant, or the they play in the garden which they all love. They were all in the garden when I go there to collect them this afternoon, riding round on the bikes, scooters and stuff, playing on slide or in the play house. It is not a big garden but they all looked like they were having a great time.

DD1 does often walk into town with one of the CMs on her full day when all the 'little ones' are napping - they often go to the post office and DD1 likes her 'big girl' responsibilities.

They do go to park sometimes and recently visited another child's family for play in the garden and a picnic. They certainly don't go out more than once a week most of the time.

So, as a parent, I would have no problems with your set up regarding trips out. However, if YOU want to get out, can you load them into the buggy and reins and simply walk along the pavement looking at 'wildlife' in the hedges?

HSMM · 10/06/2011 07:18

My parents are happy whether we're out or in. I have to say though, that I have not needed a buggy at toddlers? You may also like to take up the suggestion of investing in a small double for the car boot. They will soon grow and will be trotting along by your side in no time.

Original poster

gardenpixies32 · 10/06/2011 07:48

One has been walking for 2 weeks and is wobbly on his feet, one crawls and one is still not crawling! I would definately need a buggy as I cant carry all three! I know it will get easier when they can all walk. I guess it will just take time. Thanks for the reply :)

OP posts:

looneytune · 10/06/2011 08:04

I'm not sure whether you could stretch to this but when I had 4 under 18 months, I bought a triple buggy from OBaby and had the smallest in a sling. It's a fab buggy and wasn't too expensive either. It fit in my car fine but I have a people carrier so it might not fit in a smaller car. Still ok for getting out and about locally for walks etc. Or you could get an even cheaper double and maybe a backpack carrier? I didn't really get on with them but I know others do. It WILL get easier once they are more steady walkers. But tbh, I'm sure the parents are fine as you are getting out and as long as they have access to a garden at yours and they have plenty of activities then I wouldn't worry :)

moogster1a · 10/06/2011 08:20

how about a double buggy with a buggy board for the wobbly walker when he gets tired?
Then you can get them all on the bus. I'd have reins on the walker. Admit it'll be a faff but might stop you getting fed up in the house.

nannyl · 10/06/2011 08:57

can u not get a cheap double off ebay or even free cycle? (I agree double umbrella buggies do NOT push well) OR a cheap 2nd hand phil and teds. (with the wheels off they fit in all but the tiniest boot)

and use a back pack or sling or something for one of them?

nannyl · 10/06/2011 08:58

could also use a P&t on the bus!

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