Attack of the Nerves

[dogsitter]

I have 2 siblings starting with me next week. I'm a fairly new childminder and although I planned on only doing before and after school care, this opportunity came along and it seems like a good one. However, I'm so used to working with my current mindee who is 4 and my own ds who is 5. We do lots of activities together and because they're the same age everything is so, well, easy.

I'm so nervous about this new little one starting. I've now more or less baby proofed the playroom. This means putting most of the stuff that was out away. Littlest mindee is 19 months and his brother is 4, starting school after summer. How do I amuse both of them when they're settling in at first? I imagine the little one will be needing me more, but I want to ensure the eldest is happy too. I hate the thought of 2 miserable children. Maybe I'll just go with the flow. I just seems all new to me. I didn't have my own son 100 yrs ago, and yet I feel so worried/anxious about this!

p.s. I have drank a lot of wine because my dh has disappeared for hrs, even though he saw me freaking out earlier and upset. He is absolutely no support.

and he's come back in again and f off upstairs. Seriously, I am the lowest maintenance woman I know. I get upset...about once a year. What a lovely supportive dh I have. FR

Hope you've not got the mindees today, you're not going to be on good form!!

How are you feeling today?

Your OP was a bit annoying to read - I'm a mum with a 21 month old and a 4 year old who will be starting their settling in with a new childminder tomorrow.... really hope her mindset isn't like yours.

Surely if you're a childminder you've thought about kids of all ages and how to mix activities etc?

Is ok to feel some nerves, but think that the mum will be nervous, as will the kids. You need to be professional.

We all feel nervous, I still get nervous after over 12 years.

Do you know what each child likes to do? I go through all childrens likes/dislikes eg meals, favourite stories, songs/rhymes, toys etc. Makes planning for their first few weeks much easier and helps them to settle quickly.
I always explain to parents the more information I have , the easier it is to settle the children.

How many visits have they had? I try to have at least 3 , 1-2 hour visits without parents, I call these my''getting to know you'' sessions and I also find these help the children to settle much easier when they start properly.

Hope you are feeling better today

OMG - I am mortified at my meltdown last night! I would die if the mum read this. Certainly, if I was placing my children with a childminder I would want her to be completely confident in her abilities. Jeez - I sound totally unhinged. Oh, and no mindees today - I wouldn't drink if was working the next morning.

Thanks for your advice almaradlu. I think I was freaking out a bit because it's is all very last minute and I'm preparing the house for their arrival. They are starting next week and I haven't met the eldest child. I have however received the 'All About Me' forms today. Those are very detailed and I have a good picture of what the children like such as food, naps, songs; toys tv and so on.

wrt visits, I've met the lo for half an hour with mum. She really is stuck and wanted to send them to me full time next week. I thought that would be too much, as I'd like them to settle gradually. I'm meeting them all for a wee while tomorrow with both parents and then for short 3hr spells every day next week so it won't be quite as full on.

I have a few ideas for planning for next week. Now that I have the 'All About me' forms in I will tailor them to suit the children.

Just take deep breaths, first few days are scary but once you settle into a calm routine, it's the most wonderful job in the world! Trust me!

For those three hours I would try keep the first few in your home, doing messy play, garden time, planting seeds, baking, singing and dancing. And then towards end of the week go for walks, go to the park, perhaps give the 4 yr old lists and they can help you buy some groceries!

The 18month old may find separation harder, so ask mom to bring in comforters, teddies/blankets that sort of thing. Ask if they have anything special for nap time to help them sleep. Are they walking? It's slightly easier if they are!

Good luck x

So the whole family came round today - a day early. They stayed for around an hour. It was fun! The children seemed really happy chatting to me, exploring the toys, singing and dancing and getting along with my ds. The parents seemed really nice too. I'm really looking forward to Monday now :-) think it'll be great fun getting to know them.

p.s. I still feel sheepish about that rant last night. wine wasn't a good idea last night in the mood I was in!

So pleased that everything is coming together for you and your new family enjoyed their visit. Good luck and enjoy the new kiddies :D