Any young childminders around?

[chloemegjess]

Hello. I have just started Childminding and just wondering if there are others in similar situations to me?

I am only 21 but have my own daughter and pregant with my second baby. I live with my husband etc so no different to somebody a bit older, but I have problems getting people to take me seriously. I have one mindee, for a few hours a week after school which isn't bringing in much at all.

The last interview I had with somebody, I knew as soon as I saw the way she looked at me when I answered the door that she wasn't going to be interested. And to be honest, she left after about 10 mins (although it worked out well as the hours didn't really suit me and she was very weird in various ways).

But even at the school I think a lot of the parents find it a bit odd. Nobody actually knows my age exactly but I look young, possibly even younger than I am.

Anybody had any experience of this? Any ways of getting round it? I am desperate to fill some vacancies, or it won't be woth me continuing to do it when the baby is born. But I really want to carry on.

I meant to say, I have an NVQ level 2 in Early years, have done the ICP course, serveral first aid courses, half way through my NVq 3 etc.

And I have worked in private day nurseries, one for 2 years. And I was working in a primary school for 2.5years untill I had my DD.

well, i would say get yourself out and about, visit toddler groups, childminder drop ins etc, and let people see you being a good childminder. Once you are known in the community, your age should not be so much of a barrier. its all about reputation. Someone can be a brilliant childminder, with loads of experience, but if they are not known, they wont get many inquiries.

I know I could do a really good job given the chance. I really hope that the one mindee I have does recommend me to others.

Will start going to more local toddler groups, but there is nothing within walking distance from me which is annoying, so I end up going to one about 10-15min drive away because my MIL and SIL go there, but I guess I am not likely to get any work from there so will find one a bit closer to home. The closest ones are in the town centre which is a pain having to park etc.

Thought about setting up a toddler group but would never know how!

Hi Chloemejess

I started childminding when i was 18 and initially thought i was going to have the same problem, although i was working with 2 other childminders (my mum and sister) and every parent that came for an interview wanted the place.

We dedicated the whole room to the kids and painted all the walls primary colours. Garden was full of equipment and the children we had at the time were thriving with so much attention and things to do.

Im not saying re-decorate your house... lol Just that parents could see it was a serious commitment and what we was doing with the children was more than was expected and not just an overnight idea.

What could be a turn off is the fact you are pregnant (which to a prospective parent means your going to be off when your baby is born and also you are already a mum to two young children.
Also the fact that you are new could be a factor.

I am a newly registered childminder and I had the same thought - I am 25 so a bit older but as I do not yet have children of my own I worry that this will put potential parents off. I am very good with children and working with them is something I have wanted to do for a long time and I figure by the time I have my own it will all fit in nicely.

The other problem I have with starting this new business is the transition period. I currently have a full time office job in central London and desperately want to leave but have a months notice period but cannot afford to leave on part time money. I have a fantastic family lined up but due to part time I am not able to give up work until I have a full timer . It so frustrating as the registration process has taken over a year and its all been work around my job and I feel I am getting nowhere!! Any tips on how to market and get things moving so I can do what I want to do?!

Chloemegjess - sounds like you have your hands full - you might be young but seems like you have already achieved alot and I am sure that will come through in interviews.

PeaceNlove - I am hoping to only take 2 weeks off CM when baby is born, so no more inconvience to the parents than a holiday. BUT if I don't fill some places before then, it isn't worth loosing my maternity allowance for . I love childminding and really want to do it.

I am hoping to get some more mindees soon and really trying to get my name out there. Have spent the whole evening advertising on loads of sites and still have loads to go and other ideas when I get the chance!

AWww CMJ I read this and am sorry you are struggling to find mindees.Am 36 and still a "newbie" to parenting.Have a 5 and 3 (sn) yo.You sound responsible and I think that the fact you have your own children too would make me warm to you.I also would say that the majority of nursery nurses at my dc nursey are young but they are also very caring and loving and the nursery has a very good reputation.I think the fact you have done so much and also have kids (Idid most of my studies before dcs!) speaks volumes that you are committed to your job.Hope yopu find some mindees soon and good luck with your pg.

Is it your age or your pregnancy putting people off? We expect to continue using our childminder once my daughter is school age. I would not have started with a minder about to take maternity leave. I appreciate that you do not plan to take your full 9 month entitlement, but there is some money available to you even though you are self employed. A parent would probably feel rude asking and also know that you could change your mind when the baby is born. The anticipation of that might be part of your problem.

hi, i'm 21 and dont have any children of my own, i'm also married. and i can compleatly sympathise with the nobody takes me seriously bit! i've taken to putting my age on all my adverts, that way theres no shock when the door opens! recently someone asked me if my mum was around as they had an appointment with her, i politly explained that i was the person they had an appontment with, but i could tell thery werent intrested.
the best thing that i have done is take my minde to soft play centres, leaving a advert on the pushchair and activly play with the child on the equiptment. this way the parents know who i am, how to get hold of me and that i'm really a big kid!
i only have 1 full time mindee and another littlee who comes and goes when the parents need it, but since doing this i have had a lot more phone calls.
just hang in there it will get better.

you could also try printing some a5 style adverts and popping through local doors at least you would feel like you have been trying to get some extra mindees.

Might do the leaflets actually as I sell childrens books and have some leaflets for that I wanted to send out, so could do them both together. Meant to be raining tomorrow though

i started childminding when i was 22 and have never had any probs but i had 2 kids. make sure you show them your certificates and talk about your experience remember that you children are a reflection of your practice too. I know many CM's who ignore there own children when they have potential parents comign round which is a shame as it shows them how you would interact with the children