Any other childminders finding life hard at the moment?

[fishfingersfortea]

I’ve got some lovely children, lovely families but I’m feeling quite isolated. Hours have dropped, some children haven’t returned so the friendship groups aren’t there and some days I only have 1 child all day. I plan lots of activities, we dance, paint, sing, read, build but I’m used to having some days at home, attending groups and meeting up with colleagues and their children. I’ve made the most of being outdoors, bug hunting, tree spotting, obstacle courses etc etc etc I’m just missing being able to link up with others as it motivates me and it’s so nice to see the children making friends and having fun. Anyone else feeling like me?

Yes I'm feeling isolated and trapped within my own home. I often have 3-4 children so not taking them out due to the risks of managing social distancing when in public. Whilst I do lots inside and in the garden it's really getting to me not being able to see others for play dates as we have a wide circle of friends and small people. I'm also sad that one of my littlies is off to school in September and I've not seen her since March and she really isn't happy about going to school so the impact it will have on her is really upsetting. You'd think working from home we'd cope better but the restrictions are just too much. X

@glitterelf sorry to hear that working life is hard for you too. I feel so sorry for children that will have so many changes in September yet we cannot provide ‘normal’ to aid their transition. I guess I’m fortunate that as I only have max 2 and have a quiet forest area over the road from my house I can go out (have agreement from parents) but would love the relaxation in lockdown rules to also unlock just a little bit in early years childcare but it would probably be too complicated to impose. The thought of the 6 week holiday having to be the same as this added to the fact I’m working the same number of days for less than 1/2 my usual income is sometimes too much.

Could have written your post. Feeling so low about work at the moment. Hours have drastically reduced but still working 4 days. I'm so bored. We do loads at home however it's not the same as having fun places to be and seeing other adults in the local community at groups, library, parks etc. Very isolating at the moment.

It's making me look at other jobs to be honest. I'm also feeling so guilty as both my boys have been missing out on my time as I'm so paranoid about making sure the minded children aren't bored and they're usually at school being kept busy so they've been doing school work but I've been letting them get on.

Now I'm worried that until September it will be like this and it fills me with dread

@glitterelf and @pleasestoprainingplease hope today went well for you both. I found today ok, most likely due to the drop in temperature, much easier playing in the garden without the worry of topping up the sun cream & avoiding the sun! Spent an hour tidying then disinfecting the house & toys ready for another day.

Not a cm but ex nanny now mum and maternity nurse

I feel the same. My toddler misses her friends. We have started to meet for sd walks and for me and her the sanity

I’m hoping from next week it will be better as some little farms
Cafes and kiddi stuff is opening and can go in people’s houses

So can have play dates again

Hope work picks up for you and things go back to normal as much as they can

@fishfingersfortea currently the days are all blurring into one, work wise has been easier with the cooler weather but family life is really hard right now. Thankfully I had an early finish yesterday so got to take my little one out for a decent walk to blow away some of the cobwebs and worries. I've also started to see some of the old comments surrounding childcare and expense rearing their ugly heads. It's amazing how quickly some can cherish the childcare sector and then cut it down like that.
Hope you have a good day x

@Blondeshavemorefun hope you get to have play dates soon as they’re so beneficial for both of you. New early years guidelines released for 20th July, still no mixing of groups so unable to go to any of the spaces reopening - library, play parks etc so looks like it’s solo visits to the forest for us over the summer.

@thesurreyyouth that’s crap :(

I feel for you

Yes have some play dates planned

And saw some friends outside last week

Makes a huge difference