I have a dilemma here, need advice from other CM.

[Summerfruit]

At the moment I'm looking after a 4 years old who only goes to school for 2 hours and half (afternoon nursery). I have 4 - 5 days a week from 7.15 am to 18.45. It's really hard as the child is quite difficult to entertain, he's not a bad child at all, let just say that he's really hard to reach, doesnt speak much etc...and I dont have a very nice relationship with the mum.

On the other side I have a loto of people who are interested by my services, will use me from 8 to 6 and I'll get the same money as actual child.

What would you do ? Would you give notice to the 4 years old child in order to work more regular hours ?

BUMP

Yes i would and have done in the past.It is a business you are running.

No doubt you will get all the usual crowd telling you how un-ethical and unprofessional you are but at thew end of the day it's a job isn't it?

That is a hellish long day - I certainly couln't do it. It's also a very long day for the child too. How long have you looked after him? Do you have your own family too? If so, you could tell the parent that because the long hours are affecting your own family, you have reviewed the hours you are able to work and need to talk to her about whether you are still able to offer care for her child. Some parents forget that we have a family life too and I know that my DH and DC wouldn't be happy if there were children around for almost 12 hours a day! That way you're keeping it about the business - and whatever children you take on after that is none of her business! Good luck

If the 4 year old isn't happy in your care, if you aren't happy to care for them and your relationship with his/her parent isn't great, then moving on may be best for everyone.

Thank you so much for your answers, I have been losing sleep over this as I'm feeling so much guilt towards this child...I do my best but whatever I do with /for him doesnt seem to have any effect on him..his mum says he's happy with me but I dont feel it's the case. I have 2 other dds, 19 months old and almost 5 years old. I have been looking after this child for 3 months but it's so hard but I gave the mum the ultimate flexibility like she can choose the day off as well.

I agree with aGal - do ethics come into it when parents put there children with after-school care or another cm because it's cheaper for them??? I've learned the hard way that they really have little understanding of what we do or why we do it - one of my parents thought I just did it for pocket money!!! As in any job, we have to be happy with what we do or we have to move on...

What you could do with future mindees is have a settling in period in your contract - say 3 months - so that if either of you isn't happy at the end of it, you have a 'get-out'

Once again thank you, I think I'm going to give her my notice. The other day, I have to speak to her about my concerns for her child. She sent me a text after the conversation saying that I shouldnt take my bad mood on her ! I was just trying to open a dialogue with her !

Underpaid, that's a really good tip, I have never tought about doing it... I have a six weeks notice for this child !

I think you should give notice. A) you can work less hours for the same money and B) the realtionships that you have with the mother and child don't sound as if they are working. Good luck!