God, this job would be so much more pleasant without my own kids!!

[LingDiLong]

Do any other childminders feel like this??! First day of the school holidays for us and I've so been looking forward to it. It was an absolute bust. Tantrums, arguments and general hideousness - mostly from my own 3.

I feel like finding a childminder for my own kids!!

I felt exactly the same when I used to childmind. Other people's children are so much easier to look after BUT only when their parents are not there.

I just had to remind myself that I was childminding so that I could also look after my own children at the same time as earning some money. I eventually got a 'normal' job and sent my kids to a childminder. It was sooo much easier. I take my hat off to childminders, I remember what hard work it was.

Yes, days like this I'm not sure I'm cut out for it to be honest. I can't remember why I was so desperate to be at home with my own kids - what was I thinking?!

Tomorrow may be a better day

It sounds like my idea of hell, personally! I take my hat off to childminders everywhere. I know that, as a teacher, there are days when I get home from school, look at my own kids and think, 'I really don't want to speak to/look at another child today - this is too much'.

I always find things are less stressful outside TBH. The sun is shining - head out if possible. Children seem less loud in the great outdoors!

Oh yes I agree sowornout - we are always out and about! They were definitely better whilst we were at a Country Park this morning but at some point we did have to come home unfortunately.

I feel very similar to you at the end of the day, instead of embracing a chance to spend some time with just my own kids, all I can think is 'please, please leave me alone!!'

AllDirections, school holidays always start like this for us - I think it's the expectations and the lack of routine that lead to a bumpy start. We'll soon get into the swing of it I'm sure.

I feel ur pain. I have a 12 yr old daughter that hates me minding and causes as much disruption and chaos as she possibly can. Im a single parent with no financial support so Minding is my sole income. It doesnt matter how many times I remind her that the fees from these children pay for her food treats and keep a roof over her head she still behaves obnoxiously towards them ( mostly the older mindees - doesnt really bother about the babies and toddlers ) .Im so lucky that no1 has left because of her. Im at a loss as to wat to do.

Oh dear minding, that does sound very tough. My 3 year old can be quite resentful but I was hoping she'd grow out of it...my 6 and 8 year old don't seem to mind so much. I guess it's easier for me because they do still enjoy the same things as my mindees i.e. parks/beaches/museums/soft play.

I can't imagine how hard it must be to cope with all this on your own too.

Im closed for the next 2 weeks but had 3 mindees last Fri all boys which seemed to rub her up the wrong way from the start lol. We went to the local playbarn were even tho she just sneaks under the height restriction she was reluctant to go in the play area as she insisted the boys had told a member of staff she was too old!! That set the mood for the whole day. I have older daughters aged 21 and 23 but they totally refuse to take her anywhere because her attitude stinks quite frankly. Feel like Im banging my head against a brick wall . Back to work 5th Aug with a full quota of mindees for 4 wks till they all go back to school. Ive got a comprehensive plan of activities and trips scheduled so Im hopeing she behaves herself otherwise Im going to be burnt out by Sept lol