Is it worth trying to find a CM for a few hours a week?

[TryLikingClarity]

Okay, I'm a bit clueless about all this, so hope someone can give advice.

I'm a SAHM to my 18 month old DS. However, I'm thinking about starting a small bit of work, approx 8-12 hours a week.

So far, because it's just me he sees day in and day out he is very clingy. We do go out to toddler groups and to the park etc so he is mixing with other peers, but I'm always there.

If I go to leave him anywhere with a friend or family member he flips out! This can be wearing and frustrates me sometimes.

My point is: do CM's offer services for short hours, such as 2 half days a week? Do you people who are CM's or use CM's think this would help DS mix with others and give me space to work?

This seems a bit disjointed, and I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but just wondering!

Yes definitely. I have a child who is with me 10 hours a week in total ... 4 hours one day and 6 hours another. It works well as this child filled the gap when the other mindee is not coming to me.

I think it depends on the childminder and also on how well those hours fit in with the other children that they happen to have. At the moment I have a little girl who comes to me 3 days a week. If a parent came to me asking for 2 half days and they were flexible so that they could take the two days that this girl doesn't come on then I would be happy to do it. On the other hand, if I had a full time space available I might prefer to hold out for a full timer.

I would recommend that you try to space the days out instead of taking two consecutive ones. It can be hard for a young child to settle if they go to a childminder on two consecutive days and then have a whole 5 days at home again. Something like a Monday and a Thursday would be better

Good advice, thanks :)

I'm just outside North Belfast, Northern Ireland.... just in case anyone reads this thread and wants to mind my DS! I'd love his (eventual) CM to be a MNer!

The work that I'm going back to do is voluntary work, so very much I'll be able to pick and choose when I go in and when DS needs minded.

As it is voluntary, at the minute DS can be minded by my DH and my mum, but I do want him to mix with other kids and other adults who aren't related to him.

Will have a look at local CM sites.

hi I am a reg childminder with p/t spaces and am willing to do 2 1/2 days. I know u posted this quite a while ago but if u needed a CM still plse contact me 07812379961 or PM me. I live just off the Westland Road BT14.
:D