***************TUESDAY STAFF ROOM **************************

[OFSTEDoutstanding]

Morning everyone, where are youi all I need a rant has anyone seen my AIBU thread here Have not woken up very happy today and am wondering if it is worth childminding when even dh discredits what I do

Morning, I'm here ignoring toddler who's having another MAJOR screaming fit - just been dropped off. She was like this yesterday and had a temp last week so I don't think she's quite right, maybe coming down the Chickenpox herself? At least it would explain things. We're trying the 'ignore it' way today and oh.....she's just stopped screaming - phew! Yesterday it lasted half hour

I read your thread OO and I agree that's well out of order but was dh just being a man and not thinking? or does he really feel that's what you do? I would TRY and not let it get you down, easy for me to say, I know!

Morning all. My baby in plaster, is in plaster no more! She had the plaster removed yesterday and as far as I know, all is well. I'll leave mum & dad alone today and maybe give them a ring tomorrow, to see how she is. Can't wait to get her back next week, she's such a happy little bunny and was just on the verge of walking before the plaster went on, so it should be fun. I'll post on your AIBU thread now OO!

Morning all ! One mindee today BUT DS1 home with frightful cough.

OO I'll pop over to your thread now

Morning all

Sorry about your DH Outstanding if mine did that I think I'd hit him

OO - sorry you are stll down about DH, is he usually supportive of you childminding? I guess what I mean by that question is, is he clued up about everything childminders do in a working week and had a momentary loss of sense or is this something he really thinks, that you are at home being housewifey?

I had an enquiry yesterday for two siblings to start mid october aged 3 and 7, hope they do come to me, as could do with the boost to business! Coming to meet me next monday.

Ok little question for you all. I have a very large age range with mindees at the moment (8months to 14years), so obviously I have a huge range of age appropriate toys/equipment. I recently bought a toddler trampoline with a handrail (age range on box is 2-6years), obviously the 10 and 14 yr old understand they are too old for it - although I did have to tell them this. But what would you do about say, a seven year old? I have on some days put it in the garage if I have had 3kids and one is slightly too old as I felt it would make the oldest feel left out (I know I am a softy), but this is quite a hassle to do.
So would you tell them and be strict with it, hide it on days like this, I don't know. Obviously if these siblings come to me, hiding it out of the question as they would be here 4 days a week. May send out a newsletter I don't know. Anyone got any suggestions?

Thats just it KS he works shifts so is sometimes here with me all week, therefore he knows exactly what I have to do!!!!!!!!!!!!

tbh Ks if box say up to 6yrs i wouldnt chance it cos if anything did happen you would be up sh*t creek as you knew the limit and ignored.
i know it seeems unfair for 7yr old, and my first thought was, is she/he small for age?slim? meaning may not be bigger weigh more than 6 yr old, but like i said up there, you have to coevr yourself...yeah id put it in a newsletter!

Give him a clout round the head then OO!! Tell him you are upset, don't let it fster. It's hard for us cm's we work so hard and yet the general population do still seem to regard us as glorified babysitters, I think it is only cm themselves and appreciative parents that are clued up about what being a childminder in 2007 entails. There is a long way to go to get CMers recognised as professionals and it can be incredibly frustrating at times.

I wouldn't let them on if too old, I am quite finicky about checking ages on toys. Just feel a bit awkward about it and don't want one child to feel excluded say, or have a parent at home thinking why isn't my dc allowed doesn't my cm like them IYSWIM.

Think I will send out a letter explaining it's for mindees safety.

I think a letter is your best option. I'm sure parents will be much more impressed by you caring about their lo's welfare, than ignoring the age thing anyway. Can you provide him with something that ONLY 7 years can do? Make him feel like he's not being left out, but has more important things to do than play on a baby trampoleen?

God grief! Trampoleen? I obviously mean trampoline!

good afternoon all, wasnt in yesterday, had a awful tummy bug, (so did half the mindees and families) over the weekend, so was not in yesterday.

Felt like death warmed up yesterday, and couldnt keep and pain meds down so was in a lot of pain, dont want that again.

On the plus side, did my diet good

Hey need a nice strong coffee please

Evening all.

Tried making doughnuts today with 3 year old... he loves to stir cake mixture. We have a doughnut mould from Lakeland, but no recipe - so used Google to find one which for which I had the ingredients. First attempt were edible, if a little misshaped and burnt - used too much mixture and too high heat setting. Next few batches got a lot better though. So now we have a tin of mini doughnuts (baked, not fried). Took a couple to school with us at collection time, and 4 year old loved them. So can recommend trying to make them - far less mess things you have to roll out.

KS - you have to follow manufacturers recommendations, else insurance won't cover you.

OO - does your DH not see childcare as being a proper job. Oh dear - shame on him

Ooh Donuts! Lovely, I might have to get me one of those machines. We've been doing keep fit this afternoon. Im shattered! We all had to make up a dance routine to a song and we gave each other comments. My comment from one mindee was 'smashing'!