a question about etiquette...

[thehappyprince]

My ds has been with his lovely cm for a couple of months now f/t. I just wondered, is there a general etiquette - do you buy your childminder a gift at times and if so, for what occasions. Just for christmas? Also, what about cm's own children? Am new to it all and whilst would like to show my appreciation, don't want to overdo it.

Well, as a CM I'd love a present, please!!

But really, I don't expect a present from my mindees, but a card at Christmas is nice. I think I'd be sad if I had a mindee leave and didn't get a thank you card or a picture (assuming they weren't leaving because they hated me, of course!!)

I think that if you like your CM and she becomes your friend then that would be a different thing or if your LO expressed a desire to give her a present.

But what I'm trying to say is that I don't think your CM would EXPECT a present but I'm sure that she would appreciate it if you did give one.

There, got there in the end!

how lovely of you..if you are really happy and would like to buy her somethign maybe a bunch of flowers bottle of wine or a box of chocs with a card along the lines of just to say thanks, DS has settled in really well and you've put my mind at ease...but other than that, her birthday and christmas, (i dont get gifts from ALL my mindees at this time either so now madatory)..maybe something small(book/crafty thing for her dc-again on birthday or chistmas only)or even easter egg at easter...i buy my mindees gifts at easter(some choc, some a gift) birthday and christmas...we also make something for parents birthdays like a picture frame/handprint, something special from their dc really

sorry "so NOT mandatory"

Thanks philmassive and PinkChick, that helps alot. And am very impressed that you haven't let your conflict of interest affect your responses! Though hadn't realised it was now mandatory to buy gifts .

LOL, yes if you come to me, it is mandatory to buy me expensive gifts evry 3rd friday of the month...tis in the contract

Two mums used to occasionally buy me flowers. I was always really chuffed, a bunch of daffs on a random Friday afternoon was always a winner in my house!!

Once, one of the Dads bought me flowers because his wife had been away for a week and I'd done lots of extra hours. He'd also bought his wife flowers because he'd missed her lots (and realised how much work is involved when looking after a tired toddler!!). I'm not sure who was more suprised his wife or me!!!

The gift doesn't have to be big or expensive but the thought behind it will be greatly appreciated.