Dealing with a child you don't like

[Fadge]

I am sure plenty of Childminders here will have taken on children only to find they don't gel, bond, get on, fit in whatever.

There's nothing bascially wrong with this child, I just plain don't like her. I cannot afford to give notice though, so what to do? Any tips on how I can force myself to like her? I feel guilty as sin for feeling like I do
I really work hard at not showing this to her and I hope that it is working, but I find it such a strain and after a session with her I am knacked mentally.

Please tell me I am not alone!?

I think you are really good to ask. There is another thread where someone is wondering what to do about a CM who shoults at the children all day. You must be doing a good job or it wouldn't worry you.

Honororia you said "Fadge would you leave your child with someone day after day who didn't like them and couldn't bring themselves to give physical affection/hugs?"

I've read through again and I cannot see that Fadge has said that they don't, can't won't give physical affection/hugs

You don't have to like them, you have to meet their needs - which it sounds like you are doing.

You are being nice, being kind, doing things with her, not being snappy or treating her differently - I think that's enough.

If you were being a cow to the child, that would be different, of course. Not everyone who works with our children is going to love them, and they don't need to. they only need to be professional.

I thought this thread was interesting in relation to this one

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