Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

so fed up.. what can I do??

39 replies

KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 14:04

I'm getting more and more dejected with childminding.

Fed up of being taken for granted, having to chase money, I cm for 8 families and received xmas cards from two (the two families I got cards from also got me a present which I really appreciated, would have been happy with the card).

I work long hours, put up behavioural problems, bossy precocious children, and parents who take advantage.

I used to really love being a cm but am feeling recently that I am trapped by it as I am aware of the fact that finding a job with affordable childcare is very unlikely.

sorry for the moan,

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
uwila · 05/01/2007 14:19

Put up your rates and make yourself feel better about it.

Unless of course you'll lose business if you do this.

shosha · 05/01/2007 14:21

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 14:26

I put my rates up slightly in summer uwila and I did lose one family and find I am having kids less in school holidays that I would usually have.

shosha I do a newsletter with training, dates, reminders, what we are doing etc too, also have a book when I have visitors with policies etc in.

I am in my childminding network but they do all activiteis etc on west side of town and I am east side so rarely see RL cms!

I know there are positives to this job, am definately in a fed up phase tho!

OP posts:
shosha · 05/01/2007 14:38

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 14:41

Hull

OP posts:
shosha · 05/01/2007 14:45

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 14:59

I am planning to take my ds to a jumping jacks class on a tuesday this term (similar thing I think).

I have met a few cms at toddler groups but tbh I can't stand the places! The last one I went to my ds was beig viciously bullied every week and in the end I stopped going (he is 2 btw). There is an east Hull childminder drop in once a week but its is still over two miles away and would be a 40min walk or two busses.

I'm learning to drive at the mo as I feel so isolated, but it is totally draining me financially!

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 15:11

Does anyone know of any options for work in childcare where I could maybe use the facilities myself at a discounted rate?

I have started an NVQ3 Children's Care Learning and Development tho so I have that to consider too, if you change jobs can you carry it on in a new job?

OP posts:
shosha · 05/01/2007 15:12

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 15:14

Oh you sound so nice! Wish all us friendly mnetrs lived closer!

Think I am just gonna have to hang tight, pass my test and finish my NVQ and then go from there.

OP posts:
Judy1234 · 05/01/2007 15:22

Would you consider going into someone's home with your child as their nanny instead then, living out, daily nanny?

shosha · 05/01/2007 15:26

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 15:42

possibly yes xenia - do you think I could finish my nvq as a nanny?

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 15:59

We go on day trips out, to park, beach, library, bowling etc, its just more chllenging without a car!

I have organised activities every day and free play - I like to think of it as organised chaos

OP posts:
smeeinit · 05/01/2007 16:04

oh kay poor you,sending hugs your way.
i think every cm goes thro stages of feeling the way you are right now,i know i do!
as shosa says passing your drivivng test will make such a huge difference to your whole life. if i were you i would continue with the minding until you have passed your test and see how you feel about the job then.
it can be a lonely job if you dont have much adult company throughout the day but there are alot of places to go and meet up with other cms.
i didnt know any cms when i first strated 2 years ago but now have a large network of cm friends locally.
keep your chin up and keep smiling!!

shosha · 05/01/2007 17:24

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 17:59

ooh 3 nine yr old girls - blimey!
I have two 7yr old girls but they a "bff" so tend to get on!

Thanks all of you for your replies, it was good to vent - and to know we all feel like it from time to time

OP posts:
shosha · 05/01/2007 18:08

Message withdrawn

Original poster
KaySamuels · 05/01/2007 18:21

Haven't set a test date yet but have said to instructor I want to be driving by the summer ols and she said I will be done by then. Can't wait! lol

OP posts:
shosha · 05/01/2007 18:27

Message withdrawn

Judy1234 · 05/01/2007 18:43

KS, I've had nannies for 22 years and I've never been too bothered about qualifications, just experience but it depends on the families. I'm not sure about new rules on registration? Are there any? May be not.

On driving the more experience the better. We've got 3 of our chidlren through their tests at age 17 in the last 4 years and it seems to work best when you give them lots of chance to drive on normal journeys on a regular basis whilst you sit there gripping the side of the seat. The last 2 took their theory test on their 17th birthday.

glad2beback · 07/01/2007 00:09

Hi Kay, I know how you feel. I went thro' a 'fed up' phase about 6 months ago and gave up c/m as a result. I really missed it and didn't realise how much i loved it until I gave it up. I started my business up again a month later and it was scary because I had to start from scratch again. Being a c/m again is brilliant and has made me realise how lucky I am to have this job. In 2 months I have filled all my spaces and am looking after some fantastic children.

Learning to drive will give you so much independance to get out and about more so go for it Kay!

I think most c/m will agree that sometimes the going gets tough but don't learn the hard way like I did. xx

Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 09:56

Thanks glad to be back, I have to say if I honestly didn't need the money I would have given people notice this week. But deep down I know I would miss it.

Being a childminder has its down sides but it has its benefits too - the main one for me being at home with my little boy and being able to whatever the weather allows (which is probably why I am fed up in winter!). I mean how many jobs let you go for a stroll around the park?!

Feeling much better about things now. I do love working with kids and always will, but maybe not always as a childminder.

Also found out i will be doing more hours from next week so may be able to up my driving lessons to two a week!

Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
KaySamuels · 07/01/2007 10:02

Shosha just wanted to say I realy admire that you childmind while living with lupus - I know how draining it is and you are doing one of the most exhausting jobs there is !

OP posts:
agalch · 07/01/2007 10:04

Hi Kay

Glad you are feeling better

We all feel like that sometimes i think.I do think tho if parents are taking advantage you need to think about sorting that out.

I am very strict re picking up on time/paying on time and kids bahaviour etc.

I give notice and replace if things are really not working out.Could you have parents in and do a contract review? You could then discuss any problems and fix them?

Hope next weeks a good one for you,i am due back to work on the 23rd January after 6 months mat leave.Hope i can take on decent kids/parents.