Childminders club - Would anyone have said yes?

[Jensmum]

I've just had a phone call from a lady asking me to have her 2 children one day after school for a couple of hours. I thought this would be ok and started asking all the questions like ages, which school etc etc.

Then she says "I want you to help me with my shopping as my kids run away alot and it makes it difficult" I tried to explain that I can't really offer this service but she was quite persistent and I felt quite bad saying no.

She kept saying that I wouldn't have any responsibilities I would just be there to keep an eye on her children.

I said I couldn't do it because of the other children in my care but if she wanted she could come round for a chat and we could talk about maybe me looking after them at my house. She wanted someone to help her take them out so she's going to ring round and see if someone can.

I feel really bad now but it wouldn't have been in my interest to do it.

Would anyone have said yes?

no way!

but then again I'm considering giving up altogether, so maybe I'm not the best to ask.....

Jensmum, in my limited experience as a childminder, my initial thoughts were don't go there, it sounds a bit odd, but I suppose she could just me desperate for a bit of help if she doesn't have family or friends to help out etc. If it's help with the shopping she needs if would probably be easier and cheaper for her to get the shopping delivered rather than the arrangement she was asking you for. If the kids are running away, personally I would either put them in a buggy or supermarket trolley if they were toddler age or if they are older, then they need to be disciplined and made to understand that running away isn't an option, but then that's not really your problem.
I wouldn't feel bad about saying no, stick with your instincts.

i would have thought she'd jump at the chance to leave them somewhere else if they keep running away.

I know some Childminders do "extras" like ironing, sewing etc, but I haven't been asked to help with the shopping before.

I would have said the same as you, she'd be welcome to leave her children in my care while she gets on with the shopping (or has it delivered & can unpack it without the children).

I wouldn't have done this, no way. Sounds a bit odd tbh, as though she would have expected more and more as time went on.
You are a trained profesional not domestic help!
She should get a mother's help/au pair if she wants someone to help her out

No, I definitely wouldn't do it. The closest I would ever get to it is when a current minding parent asks if I can have child a bit later than usual so that they can get shopping on way home. Why would you want to take your children with you if you have an offer to leave them??! Maybe she doesn't realise what a childminder is.

Well she did say "I'm ringing about the babysitting?" so I don't think she understands what childminders do. I don't think she realises how much it would of cost either 2 kids for 2 hours would be at least £15. Unless she thought I wouldn't charge as she would be there aswell.