Childminding 2 hours a week?

[ally90]

I have a 2yr old dd, for various reasons only myself and my dh have looked after her. I would like her to have experience of being looked after by someone other than ourselves before she starts playschool in Sept. Would it be reasonable to ask a childminder to take her for 2 hours a week?

I really hate doing this...first time she will have been away from us

TIA

Ally

HHm, I don't think 2 hours is enough. I certainly wouldn't want to look after a 2 yr old who'd never been apart from her parents for just 2 hours a week. I think you'll find that she'd be much better placed with a CM for maybe 3 mornings a week for no less that 4 hours. I do feel it's important that you do try and find some sort of childcare, as it'll make it much easier when she has to go to pre-school-nursery-reception.

Sally

I'd do 2 or 3 hours once or twice a week

But if it's only once a week you should be aware she may struggle to settle

as a parent in similar situation as yourselves AND a cm, i would fully understand were you're coming from and although i know it would be a worry at first, i think one morning a week, growing to possibly two or three over months ahead would be much better for you all to make it worth while and get sued to it.

before we moved back here i put my dd in a private nursery 2 afternoons a week and it did take her a while to settle, but choose same day,same time(preferably a time when your cm isnt rushing around on school runs so your LO can do fun things and have fun memories)

Id do it for you, not sure many others would..were are you?

I've previously minded children who have come just for a morning or an afternoon (once a week) just because the mum has wanted a bit of regular "time out" - I have not had problems with the children settling in.

I would happily care for a child for a short period of time, so long as I had the vacancy.