So Nervous about DD Going to a Childminer

[Popsicle20]

Evening all,

I am hoping for some advice/support.

My DD is 2.5 and currently goes to a great private nursery within walking distance from my work. When I went back to work, I purposely chose the nursery so I could be close to her as I had really bad separation anxiety. They have been amazing but I do feel like my DD is outgrowing it now.

I want to get her a place in our local school nursery as I think this will be better for her, but the only way I could do this to fit around my work is by using a childminder. There are so many positives to this for my DD, getting to go to different places with the Childminder and making friends more local to home and the school she will be going to. There are also lots of positives for us as we are really going to struggle during school holidays etc.

The problem is the thought of it terrifies me to the point I feel sick. She has never been anywhere without me apart from nursery or going out with her dad and I am terrified of the thought of someone walking her to school or taking her to the park.

I know I need to overcome this as ultimately I will do what a best for my DD but I was just hoping for some words of wisdom or some positive childminder stories.

Thanks xx

Ex childminder here and what I'd advise is really do your homework,speak to other parents and send her for trials. I used to treat my mindees like my own children and was possibly even more careful with them. My friends called me Mrs health and safety!
They were very happy days and I'm still in contact with all the families even though the children are overtaking me height wise!

I am a childminder and I understand your feelings. Have you spoken to anyone who has previously used your new childminder? I have ex families who are happy to give a reference to prospective parents, they are able to help new parents feel more relaxed about leaving their child.

I say go and meet cminders . Trust your gut instinct.

I have my own protective feelings towards my mindees. Depending on age out and about the go in pushchair , reigns , holding onto pushchair it holding hands till I am confident they are safe.

It doesn’t take long to figure out who will run and who will stick to your side, who will usher the boundaries but in reality the majority al act better for me than their parents.