To be annoyed about this or AIBU?

[bubbles092]

My son is going to a childminders next month and she seems okay and has a little one similar age to him.

She charges for meals as well which is fine as her hourly rate is £4 an hour but I've checked the deposit invoice and it says that he will only get breakfast and lunch. I won't be collecting him until 6oclock do it means that he will not have any dinner and I will have to feed him!

I asked her and she said she doesn't serve food until half 6 and because her standard rates finishes at 6, she will have to charge £8 plus dinner which is £2. Am I wrong in thinking that's just taking the piss? When before she clearly said they serve dinner at 5.30pm?! If that's when they have dinner, gives him half hour to eat... unless they'll just eat and don't feed him?!

Maybe I am unreasonable but I didn't expect that. I will have a word with her but I don't want to sound like I'm fussy.

So what are you objecting too, the £2 charge for dinner or that lo gets half an hour to eat it? I personally wouldn't do a dinner you would either provide it or a snack and serve food when you get home. My family don't want to eat at 5 or 5.30 they would need more later and that is just not fitting in with activities and family meals. £4 an hour is very cheap if you don't want to pay more just provide the food.

I finish at 6 and don't do dinner for the children (or breakfast). Depending on the age of the child and how well they've eaten, I offer additional small snacks. Babies need feeding more often, older children are generally fine with just lunch. They have milk mid afternoon - does your CM do this.

Just talk to her. She's not doing anything wrong, but if she promised you something different, then just ask what's changed.

So, is she saying that her same-age child eats their dinner at 5.30 - BUT, she wouldn't feed your little one at the same time?

If so, YANBU. Because, would she expect your child to just watch?

But if she doesn't feed her same-age child until 6.30, she is NBU to say this.

Could you send them with a box of snacks, or a simple to reheat meal, for them to eat earlier than 6pm if that's what you'd like?

I honestly don't understand why you are angry about this. She has explained she will not be providing dinner and I'm sure there will be a afternoon snack to keep the children going until you pick up.
I am a cm and don't provide meals due to children leaving at different times, dietary needs etc. Also I really want to have some precious family time with my own children at the end of my working day.

I'm confused too which bit you're angry about?

We've used about 5 different childminders over the years and they've all had different set ups with meals, some provide all, some provide none. Its normally factored into their daily fee and what other activities they do etc.

Count yourself lucky, one of our current childminders is £6 an hour with no food included! (But she's wonderful so it's worth it)