Childminder's dog - what should I do?

[autumnbelle]

Childminder has just started minding dd2 after school. DD1 been there a year after school. Childminder got a dog about three/four months ago, no consultation, not a problem so far as dd2 is fine with dogs. Dd1 hates dogs and is terrified. Childminder doesn't seem to be addressing the problem. What should I do? I'm so upset. She puts the dog before my daughter. This morning her husband put the dog outside and she brought it back in saying 'dog will get the hump', my dd2 is stood there crying. It's a dealbreaker isn't it?

Sorry, that came out a bit garbled. Dd1 is fine with dog, dd2 is terrified.

I think you either need to dea with your daughters fear or find a new childminder, sorry.

I doubt you'll be able to deal with your daughter's fear, so I'm afraid it's a new CM.

Can't beleive cm didn't ask the parents first

She may now lose business

You can either get dc to face her fear - but that only works of the person/cm works with and supports you

I advise finding a new dog free cm

Wow, just wow! My CM has a big dopey dog, adorable but he was scary for my DSs at first just because he's big. But she went out of her way to make sure they came first, and gradually they have built up confidence with him. They're not quite at the point of loving him, but I'm sure that won't be far off.

To be handling it like this is just wrong!

I'd be changing CMs if this is her attitude.

Bloneshavemorefun- She doesn't need to ask for permission to get a dog - -she is self employed and doesn't work for the parents. However, I agree that the CM should discuss with the parents that she is getting a dog and will work towards confidence isuse with her minded children with the dog.

I am a CM and have a dog, when the children are here he is either upstairs or on special fenced off section in garden. Dog should not be allowed in same area as children IMO even though my inspector said the dog is fine... he does bark at strange men and cats. I think you should ask to see her pet policy, if she has a dog she should have one.

Not to ask permission as such as yes is se and can do what she likes

But she may did she loses business

No way I would leave my DCs with a dog in someone elses house unless it's kept permanently in another room or outside.

I think the parents should have been informed. I would want to know if I was using a cm.

What is the policy on having dogs? Should dogs be kept away from the kids? excuse me for asking as I do not know.

Want the cm does with her own family, whilst the dog is around is her personal choice. When cm I think caution should be taken.

Some parents dont mind their kids being in a cm house with a dog/cat, some do.

Ask the cm what does she do with the dog whilst the children are around.

If you are not comfortable with this then you may need to look for another cm.

I am a cm myself without any animals.

If my child was so scared of dogs I would get one myself. A friend of mine did the same and now her daughter loves dogs!

I dont understand why someone would expect a CM to ask the parents if its ok to get a dog. As long as the dog was not left unsupervised with the children I would not have a problem. I certainly wouldnt expect her to lock the dog out when the children are there. I had a border collie when my kids were small - would the parents have expected me to put her out when other children came around to play. No, but they were always supervised and I NEVER left the dog alone with the children. I also had a CM who had a dog. My children loved that dog.

If you dont like it get another child minder Im afraid.

I dont understand why someone would expect a CM to ask the parents if its ok to get a dog? its not that they should ask, its just courteous to do so (inform the parents). I would want to know. I would also let the parents know how I will be dealing with the dog whilst the kids are around. Peace of mind. Not everyone is keen on dogs or use to dogs.

Parents should have to choice whether of not they choose to bring their children to a house with a dog. On my contract it states do I have pets? etc and a bit that states ...and follow guidelines set by Ofsted...* If I tick I do not have any pets then that changes, then, should you not make the parents aware of this. Parents do not need to give you permission to get a pet, but they should be informed.