Quitting CM

[MaryPoppinsBag]

I've decided that come September I will no longer be a childminder. I find it impacting on my home life more and more. To the point where I feel like my own children are missing out - e.g. Not being able to do stuff after school (I don't have a big enough car to take fit them all in). They don't have friends round to play.

I think as my eldest approaches 9 I've just had enough and want to get back
into working outside the home with other grown ups. And if I'm honest feel a little bit trapped by it.

My mind is made up, but I have a problem in that I am one of the only CMs to pick up from my school. I am confident that my little ones will find a place with another CM. But my after schoolies might struggle. I feel so guilty, but my mind is made up.

How do I give notice? By email/ letter or face to face. With one of the Mums I am really leaving her in the lurch, as she doesn't have the cover from family.

One of my parents is going on holiday the first two weeks (they are TTO) of the holiday. So I feel if I give notice before her hols it will upset her for her holiday. But if I send letter whilst she's away this also feels wrong. If I do it mid June, to finish at start of six weeks - they will still owe me 2 months pay as it was done pro rata. But will have longer to sort out childcare issues either find someone else or sort it with the school she works at which will obviously be closed in the six weeks and not as easy to sort new working hours should this be necessary or possible.

Aaaargh!
I'm over thinking it aren't I?

I think if you can afford it, I tell them informally in the next month or so then they can start making alternative arrangements but give formal notice of 2 months. You risk losing them sooner if they find someone but at least you're giving them plenty of notice so they can hardly complain

Thanks I'll tell them early and hope they'll understand and hope that they'll be able to stay until the end of summer term.

I haven't got a job yet but I know I'm through with it all.

OP, I used to childmind too, and stopped for similar reasons. I gave two full months notice that I was stopping, to give my parents a longer time to find alternative childcare. Seemed fair to me. Why not give your parents the heads up that you are stopping in September? That'll give them a really good period to make other arrangements or to go on waiting lists for other care.

Good luck MaryPoppinsBag. I know many CMs who've found it much easier dropping school runs or only doing school children, but others who've just called it a day for a complete change. I have found it much easier since dd started secondary and I don't do school runs any more. It does take over your whole life though and you can't escape it.

I've been winding down my cm business for about 6 months now, all the parents have been brilliant about it, I gave notice to my under 5's first and have been just doing before and after school care and some holiday care whilst I have been getting my event's floristry business off the ground, the parents are really understanding if I need extra days off (I know I am incredibly lucky and fortunate) is working part time an option for you?

I have thought about switching to either little ones or just schoolies.
Or doing PT, I currently do not work school hours one day in the week but it's not enough of a break, plus my kids still have the impact before and after school. I prefer the little ones as I find some of the after school children's behaviour leaves something to be desired. And I feel like a nagging horrible person, even though I know it's what I need to do to ensure that the children behave and are safe.

I think what worries me is that I don't have another job (fine as a family we will manage) but I am worried that parents will be offended that I no longer want to care for their children and be upset.

I know that for me to continue in this job I would want a separate play room as I'm sick of all the toddler /baby toys/ mess info up my house. I think it would spur me on to be more creative with my resources/ topics. And help me work towards an outstanding. DH is not budging on converting the garage which would be perfect as we could put a door off the entrance hall. The toilet is just off the entrance hall too. And the playroom would also be linked to the kitchen through the utility room. Plus I could have a great free flow area off the back of the converted garage.

I also feel that a 7 seater car would be beneficial. So I can go out after school with the mindees.

This obviously involves an injection of cash, but not sure it is worth it, as I may still feel the same way about the job after spending £10k +.

I had a bad week last week as I was working with an injury that had I had a normal job with sick pay I would not have gone in for at least the first half of the week.

I agree with giving parents as much notice as possible. I'm a cm, but as a parent, I would prefer to know sooner to give me more chance to find something else. You do run the risk of being without pay for a couple of weeks, but that might just be the risk you have to take. I would also rather I was given more notice than required if a mindee was leaving (obviously depends on the circumstances though), but if they were moving or parent was leaving work I would like them to tell me as soon as they knew, as it would give me more chance to fill my place.

Done it!
Well almost - told parents I'm thinking of stopping - it arose naturally in conversation as I have two leaving before 6 weeks holidays. And the Mum asked if I was thinking of stopping. And I said I think so.

I'm going to send out a letter / email next week.

Such a weight off my shoulders!