Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Paid childcare

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

Flip

Original poster

CM Club: HHMM what should I do?

15 replies

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 13:49

I've been childminding now for two years, and have only minded one baby, who I had to give notice to.
I gave notice as there were a lot of problems... baby (9months)was a pfb who screamed if not held and talked to constantly, only ate smooth sweet jars of food, (tried to help with this and I would make progress and then parents would put him back on sweet stuff on their days off). My mindees and ds suffered due to constant screeching (I'm not being nasty here - that is an accurate description)- mindees actually complained to myself and their parents and ds became very upset and clingy towards me (he was 12months at time and teething). I had the baby usualy 3 or 4 days a week, 10 hour days and was so relieved when I gave notice after 3 months, but felt guilty due to parents being neighbours and friends..

So anyway - that was 18 months ago, and I finally feel ready to take on another baby mindee! So any advice, anyone else been through a tough time before like this? I should point out that I am very good with babies and the only reason I haven't looked after one since is that I decided to my ds and current mindees first for a while.

I love the baby stage, it's just that the last baby mindee I had knocked my confidance I guess. That was a bit waffly but does anyone have any thoughts??!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

quietmouse · 08/05/2007 13:52

I find babies really hard work too and they are all I ever seem to get!

I think it would be a good idea to meet the parents with the baby a good few times before making any final decision, just to see how they are as parents and whether you think your views on babycare are similiar....

also getting the age right is important. Either a very young baby, before they get too used to their parents ways, is better or slightly older and more mobile ime.

Good Luck!

LoveMyGirls · 08/05/2007 13:53

Just do it, your ds is older now, chances are next baby wont be the same as the last one. You don't know until you try. also 10hrs a day is a long day for a baby and you!

quietmouse · 08/05/2007 13:54

I agree, about the 10 hour days - they are a nightmare! 8 hour day max with a baby I reckon

Original poster

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 13:56

That's a good point about getting to know the parent's views on childrearing. The family I had before would do anything for an easy life, which a childminder can't do with several other children to think of! Babies are hard work aren't they? But more rewarding too!

OP posts:

Original poster

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 13:57

Yes ten hours was hellish! 8 would have been much better.

OP posts:

quietmouse · 08/05/2007 14:02

I'm doing 9 1/2 at the moment. It's just that last couple of hours, isn't it?.....

Original poster

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 14:07

Yes tea time was awful what with there being more kids about, baby mindee not eating his savoury food well, my ds crying, etc!! DS is a fab two year old tho , has always been really mellow and his teething was his worst stage ever! Poor thing!

OP posts:

princessmel · 08/05/2007 14:07

Poor baby. maybe he wasn't used to being away from his parents

Original poster

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 14:11

No he wasn't at all. He now does half time with his gran and half time in a nursery tho so seems to be working out well for him. A bit of one on one and a bit of socialising. Mum has now moved away but saw them not long ago and he seemed really happy and so big! That was another reason I gave notice, he was so sad - had warned mum if he didn't settle we would have to reconsider her childcare so we were all expecting it iykwim.

OP posts:

princessmel · 08/05/2007 14:12

Oh thats good

Original poster

KaySamuels · 08/05/2007 14:13

I think with previous mindee it was a combination of age (seperation anxiety), weaning had not been handled well, and baby had never had time away from mum or dad. Combined with my ds being absolutely sad while all his teeth came through. Got full set of teeth in 3 or 4 months!

OP posts:

mogs0 · 08/05/2007 18:46

I am having a similar problem, although my mindee only comes once a week.

Mindee 1 started when he was 10 months and cried for 6 months. He was always happy to see me and ds and never sad to see his Mum go off to work but went nuts if he was put on the floor with his toys. NEVER slept for more than 20 mins unless pushed in the buggy but he would stop crying the second you picked him up. He is now the most delightful 2 and a bit year old! And he sleeps for 2 and a half hours every afternoon!!

Mindee 3 is 11 months and has been coming for 3 months. She is also perfectly happy to be left with me but as the day progresses she gets grumpier and grumpier. As she only comes once a week it's taking longer for her to get used to being around, and sharing with, 2 other children. Her sleep routine is slightly improving but not enough to keep her happy through the afternoon. I at the point of either giving notice or asking to reduce her hours so she leaves at 4pm instead of 6pm.

Sorry, I'm probably not reassuring much, am I?!

On a more positive note, I looked after a 9m old last year for 2 months til she went to nursery and she was a dream! Such a happy baby and a pleasure to look after! I also have a 16m girl who comes one day a week and she is also pleasure to be around. Both of these girls I knew before hand and knew they were happy babies.

I've never had a settling in period but will definatley be using it in future! I hope I haven't put you off babies!!

nappyaddict · 09/05/2007 06:20

hijack

Shoshable · 09/05/2007 06:52

Ive usually had one under i about, in fact my 4&5 year old came to me as under ones, the 4 year old was a dream the 5 year olds a nightmare, I think it depends on how old they are when they go into childcare, the 4 year old was with me from 3 months, she had never known any difference and was 9 hours 5 days a week right from the start.
The 5 year old was 11 months and 8 hours a day 5 days a week, the separation anxiety for her was awful, and she was the only child I have come near to giving notice ti, because of the child's settling (have given notice because of other reasons, usually because the parents are so difficult.
Currently got a 14 month that came in a t 6 months again really easy, and about to start with a 7 month, think the rule of thumb is the younger the better.

Original poster

KaySamuels · 09/05/2007 08:23

I can sympathise with you there mogs! Hope she settles into it soon!
It does seem good advice to take them on young or a bit bigger, think I will bear this in mind when I do come across new families. Knowing it's quite a common problem for childminders does make me feel more confident about it. Was quite disappointed I couldn't help the last baby to settle. Just wasn't meant to be I guess.

OP posts:

Flip