Seeking advice on transition from old minder to new one

[Kerelene]

Hello everyone

My dd has been with lovely childminder for 15 months since she was 6 months old, she is very attached to her minder and family and other minded children, unfortunately we have to find a new minder as we're moving from south to east London soon.

It almost breaks my heart to split dd and minder up they are so fond of each other. What can I do to show my appreciation to minder - trying to think what would be a nice present/gesture.

Also, the other thread about journal made me think I really want something to remind dd of minder (keep saying 'minder' in case it's not on to use her name!) - I have asked for a photo of the family to keep.

Maybe I could take some clips of her playing with minder and other children?

But I know she will miss the other kids when we move, will I make it worse by showing her photos, video clips, should I let her forget them?

It's making me teary thinking about it now, I know she's only 20 months she will soon adapt to new minder (haven't sorted one out yet) but it feels like taking her away from her brothers and sisters and her mum number 2!

Sorry that's a few questions rolled into one but would be grateful for any advice from childminders or other mums!

Aww, you sound like a parent every c/m wants. I am sure it will be difficult. I have just started up myself, but I am sure a small personal token would be fine. A card that your ds makes for her would be lovely.

I think that a picture would be fine for you daughter to have, perhaps once you find a new minder bring her over to play a few times beforehand if you can?

Not sure what to advise, hopefully one of the more experienced cms here can advise.

Good luck

Thanks, a card's a good idea. I'll make something nice with my dd.

Do you think it's a good idea to have photos of minder, family and other mindees around after we move or will it make her pine for them and ask where they are?

It's going to be hard choosing a new CM as I know I will be comparing them all to our current CM!

I looked after a little boy for a long time and only lost him because his family moved away but he took photos and stuff with him of us and his friends and we keep in touch by phone and email and visit each other at least twice a year. I even take with me to visit a minded child he was best friends with when they were both minded by me. Its lovely to keep in touch with past mindees I love it.

Do you think dd will still remember them in 6-12 months or so as she is only 20 months now? I think CM would be upset if dd didn't remember her.

I hope we can keep in touch but it's the other side of London, it will only happen if we make a special visit but I would be happy to do that.

She's going to miss the other kids too but as I don't socialise with their parents there's not much I can do about that.