Childminders working with parents

[MUM2BLESS]

To be honest 2012 has been a somewhat full on year.

I try to work with my parents with continual care of all the kids I care for.

Sometimes I feel like I have been playing tug of war with the kids. I have four of my own, and I know that children can sometimes come against what you want them to do, even when you know its for their good.

From chidren not speaking to you with respect to not wanting to put gloves on etc when it is cold.

Do you continue to insist (carrying out the wishes of the parents) or do you leave them and inform the parents? (it can feel like you are always complaining or cant handle the children). I sometimes feel like stepping back and stop taking on anymore extra responsibility. As a mum you naturally want the children in your care to be warm. dry and safe whilst they are with you.

Children can try to push the boundries knowing that you are not their parents. I have decided (due to my experiences) I will not tolerate anymore rudeness and will let parents know if needs be.

Looking back I should have done this ages ago. If you do not nip it in the bud it will continue.

Your comments please. I am sure I can learn a thing of two from you lovely people..

I tend to treat them how I would treat my own children. Luckily the parents seem to be fairly likeminded. I think the problem comes when people's parenting ideas are very different from yours. For things like not wearing hats and gloves, I tend to pick my battles. I have a 20 month old who will not wear gloves. All i do is offer them to her again when her hands are a bit cold. Yesterday, it was below freezing here and she did decide she would wear them eventually, half way to school.
When it comes to rudeness etc, I have luckily found that most children seem to be better behaved for me than for their parents. Certain things they all know are not acceptable - hurting each other, destroying things intentionally, and these will result in a time out situation. I think it is worth thinking through your behaviour policy/strategy and implementing it accordingly and consistently so that everyone knows where they stand.

Over the years I have dealt with rudeness from some of the kids. I have lost count of the amount of times I have had to text or get in touch with one particular mum. She is really supportive and will reinforce what I am doing.

I know only too well how important it is that parents support whoever is caring for their child.

Sometimes things are happening at home and you have to deal with the backlash.

Kids sometimes arrive and they are tired and irritable

When reflecting on 2012 there are somethings which I will not carry over to 2013 and somethings which I will

Wiil NOT tolerate any sort of rudeness. I have a late fee for late payments.

Will continue to do my job well, but will not take what I do not need to take on.