Some advice for anyone starting c.m.ing

[MUM2BLESS]

If I knew then what I know now..Been cm'ing since 2008.

A new cm was asking for advice about cm children having friends round. It just led me to put this together.

-Ask for payment in advance
-Take your hols, dont cancel unless necessary, you need to rest too
-Do not look after children who are too sick to attend school
-Do not be afraid to say no to something if you do not want to do something
-Choose your hours of work carefully, do you want to start at 07.00 (is that right for your family)

• When you choose your hours be aware of early drop offs and late pick ups
• Make time for your paperwork
• Put money aside for tax return
• Ensure you let parents know when their children are not behaving, their support is vital

What advice would you give.

Maybe I can learn from you too.

If you find it difficult to day no or feel pit on the spot, day something along the lines of 'can I check my diary/ numbers / with my husband and get back to you'. Then you can have a really good think about it!

Sorry say not day- twice!

i do that Nicknacks stalling is the best idea gives you time to think

always make up trial enrolment forms (mine are 6 wks) after the 6 wks you will know if you want to carry on with the family and the family will know if they want to carry on, then bring out the proper paperwork and get it all signed then every year go through the paperwork with the parents to make sure hours have stayed the same and re-sign

All of the above and add institute late payment fee, don't smile if parents pick up late! Charge them for the whole hour.

If u have own Dcs take time to put their needs first sometimes.

Fill out contract line by line with both parents without kids present so all Parties are clear on holiday, sick pay, and notice.

Good idea to take time to consider something.

Was not pleased with the follwoing, on more than one occasion:-

-Early drop offs (Not more than 10 mins early now)
-Sick child coming to my house, not well enough to go to school (informed parents that I am unable to care for child not well enough to go to school)

• Late collection (mention to parent)
• Late payment (had to charge late fee of £5.00 more than once)
• Challenging behaviour (was not happy with how I was being supported, had let them know basically that if it continued I would terminate the contract, worked very well, got the support)

I now inform parents of what they need to know ...... and not take on the responsibily of the parents.