Decisions, decisions...

[showtunesgirl]

So today I interviewed a childminder, a lovely lady with loads of experience, 20 years worth, the mindees seemed to adore her, she made my 6 m/o DD laugh, rated Good by OFSTED, loads of great references but I'm still going mmmm.

This was my first childminder interview and I guess at the moment anyone who isn't me just doesn't seem quite good enough but I know I have to go back to work as well. :(

I know that DD would be well looked after there and the childminder would take great care of her but something is niggling me.

So do I go for the practical side of things and go with her or go with my gut instinct and keep looking?

See a couple more and then see what your instincts are telling you.

I think you know when you've found the right person or setting for your dcs. Keep looking:)

Hi show tune, think you have to get straight in your mind that you are going back to work so you will need to leave your dc.

Sometimes until a parent truly acknowledges this fact no child care setting will be good enough iucwim.

By all means keep looking though but remember good cms are snapped up quickly and have waiting lists.

Have a look at some more childminders. It will give you an idea of what your would like for your little gem.

I am a childminder of seven and mum of four. I remember going back to work after my first was born (before I started cm'ding). I knew he was alright, just missed him to start with. There is peace of mind when you know your child is safe.

YOU ARE MUM and no one can take your place. Your little one knows who mummy is.

Go with your gut feeling. I think you may have found the right person. Its not just about the activities and the equipment that you see, but its about your child being happy and at peace with the cm.

My parents are so different. I remember getting calls from one mum who was using a cm for the very first time. I allowed her to call me as many times as she wanted. WIth time the calls got less and less. Some parents did not call at all. Every child is different too. Is there a settling period?

All the best in your decision making. Being Ofsted registered means you will get the very best from your cm.

Yes there is a settling in period. And yes, I am totally aware that good CMs are taken quickly so I'm inclined to move fast on this.

She requires 5 weeks full paid holiday, is that the norm?

We went with the 1st one we saw and 6 years on we're still really happy with her - go with your gut instinct!!!

Each childminder has a different package. If I am on holiday half fee if parent half fee. Most of my parents do not use me during the holdiay time.

Usually, if something is niggling, there is a good reason for something to niggle. Try to work out what it might be.
For me it was losing control over what happened to my little one. So it was just something I had to get over.

Well I've had a good talk about it with my sister and WhatTheWhat I think it's what you said.