Starting as a Male Carer

[MaleCarer3]

Hi!

I'm about to join an introductory course into child care as a male carer. It's a bit of a career change for me, which I want to take seriously. I have a niece and nephew who I adore who i've babysat for a couple of years and really enjoyed it, and have quite a caring background for various reasons. I realise that caring professionally is a whole different game, so I'm looking for advice.

As a parent what would you look for in a male carer? Would you dismiss the idea?

What about male carers? Are there any left? I hope not (lol just kidding) because I need off the dole queue :)

TIA :)

Well done you! it amazes me that people are still so prejudiced against male child-carers. I am a nursery nurse and have worked with several males. Some have been great, a couple have been awful, but then again I could say the same for the females i have worked with.
I have a male student on placement at the moment and he is great very calm and very caring. Children really do need more male role models.
We also need more men in the sector if we are ever to be taken seriously as professionals and earn a wage that reflects our skills and knowledge.

You want nannynick!

In a few years I'll be actively looking for a make carer for DS so I think what you're doing is great.

What kind of setting are you hoping to work in?

References, references, references. The more you have the better - from any parents of children you have cared for, from any voluntary work you may have done/currently do, from your college placements (are you doing a college based course, with some days spent assisting in a childcare setting?).

I feel parents like bits of paper to offer them reassurance that you are wonderful with children. Over time you will build up a portfolio of training certificates, CRB checks, references - the more things you have the better in my view.

Once you have completed your course, would you be looking at working in a nursery, as a nanny, something else?

Some parents will never hire a male nanny - that's just life so don't waste time with them... once you find a great family to nanny for you can end up staying for years.

Right, must tidyaway lunch - coffee break over.

Thanks everyone. Nannynick I know what you're saying is absolutely correct. Naturally parents want references. Luckily I'm involved with an excellent nursery with amazing facilities. This week sees the start of a few group sessions/talks to see if I want to go on and do a full diploma with placement in the nursery. Where I'll go after that I haven't thought about yet, I always want to help particularly children with disabilities because that's where my heart lies, but we will see. No doubt I'll get loads of experience before then!

Hi MaleCarer3!

Welcome aboard! I gave up the 'business life' around 18 months ago, for a better work/life balance amongst other things, & started up a home childminding service with my wife (who was already a childminder) - I have no regrets & loving how things have progressed.

My wife achieved an 'Outstanding' grading in June 2010, & I achieved the same last November, so with some hard work, positive application, added to an open & approachable nature which I'm sure you already have to even consider a career in this sector, the rewards are great.

We look after up to 6 little 'uns a day, & have up to 4 school pick-ups each afternoon (as well as our own 2 children) - it's a cliche, but every day IS different, & the challenges are many & varied!

I was fortunate to build up my experience working alongside my wife, which also enabled me to dispel any lingering doubts amongst others about my role & place in what is a predominantly female industry.

What nannynick mentions about references is spot-on - any experience you are able to cite will work in your favour.

The parents of the children we look after comment on the 'balance' my wife & I provide for their children, as well as appreciating the differing (but non-conflicting) approaches we may have to certain things, but which ultimately are rewarding & beneficial to the children we care for.

A number of the children we look after have parents that are no longer together - since the Mums are undertaking the day-to-day care of their children when they are not with us, they acknowledge the 'positive male role model' part that I'm able to offer. This I feel, is more than worth than its weight in gold.

In short, any parent that dismisses outright the role of males in this industry are the kind of people that you don't want to have to deal with. Thankfully, there are many, many people out there who do not think in this way, & if you are able to prove that you are someone that cares for their child, as well as providing them with rewarding, educational & enriching experiences, then you will do extremely well, as well as enjoying your work.

Good luck!

My 3 year old daughter has just started school nursery and asked me why there were no men 'ladies' working there. Her favourite person at her private day nursery is a man who takes them for 'football' sessions. I applaud you for what you are doing and wish you all the very best. We need more folk like you.

Hey all thanks for your messages :) I've been very busy lately, but I thought I'd come back and have a more thorough look around and give you an update. A few weeks into the starter course and an a couple of creche sessions later, I'm absolutely loving it! Working with toddlers is so much fun, and seems to me a much better way of earning a living than being stuck behind a desk or a factory line. I definitely want to get further involved in this now.

Funny story from this week: I was taking notes and playing with my pen, when the lid flew halfway across the room. Little lad says 'I'll get that for you' and does so. A couple of minutes later, he takes a felt tip lid, places it on the floor where my pen lid fell, turned to me and said 'YOU have to pick that up now!' I nearly burst out laughing, but we all loved it :)

Also ManAboutTheHouse, that's a great story, hopefully I'll pick up lots of hints and tips from you along the way :) Let's hear it for male carers!!!!