Telling parents I'm reducing my working hours, do I just say.....

[MindingMum]

from xx/xx/2008 I will only be working on the following days and hours or is that a bit abrupt and impersonal?

I need to reduce the hours i work each day due to caring for my severely disabled mother, I also need to go back to working 3 and a half days rather than 4 and a half.

Do I really have to go into details as to why etc? (I don't discuss myself, my family or social life with the mindees parents like most childminders do)

I am not worried about losing any of them as
all the childminders locally are full with waiting lists - it is a desperate situation for parents here. It will only really affect my two full time siblings anyway and I am ok with losing them.

Anyone have any ideas on this?

TIA

I would say that due to personal circumstances you are going to have to reduce your hours. State the new hours that you will be able to work and then let them decide if that will work for them. You will have to give a months notice of the change and also advise that you are aware that they may go elsewhere if they are unable to work with your new days/hours.

Yes southernbelle, luckily it only says 14 days in their contract but was wondering if I should mention that I realise they might have to go elsewhere or does that sound like I couldn't care less?

I dont think it sounds like you couldnt care less by mentioning it - just being realistic I would think.

Most mums I know would really struggle if their childcare dropped a day and would have to look for alternatives as you cant really tell work you need an extra day off each week.