Any advice as to how to help my son move from his childminders?

[mzlouise]

Hi there

Was after a little advice from anyone who may have experience of this. My 7 year old son's childminder is cutting down hours and has asked me to make other arrangements for my son. That's no problem, I fully understand her decision and have an after schools club ear marked where I think he'll settle in to and enjoy.

However, he has been there since he was a baby and feel very much like part of the family. He's an only child and is very close to her kids. I know that he'll be heartbroken at the thought of not going anymore (even though he's done plenty of moaning about going over the years).
She isn't rushing me and will help with the transition as she can. But, has anyone any tips on how to help him emotionally through this? How to tell him, what to tell him etc. He can go to the new after schools for a settling in and things and I'm sure he'll like it there but how do I help him leave the childminders and his attachment to them behind?

Many thanks in advance.

I tell my mindees they can keep in touch, unless we're likely to bump into each other at school, etc. Then their parents and I just gradually reduce contact.

They never forget these strong bonds, but they generally cope with it pretty quickly.

Thank you, that's reassuring to hear.

As above I have 16 year olds still visit popping in for a chat definitely helps everyone child-minders find it very emotional too.

Tell him he's a big boy and he will love playing with his friends at after school club. Could he do CM some days and after school club for others for a bit?

Mine were at a CM from 6 months but made the transition to after school club very well. DS2 must have been 5 at the time, so DS1 was 7.

If they can see CM around and stop for a chat, that will help too, as the other posters have said.

Hope it all goes well.