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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Im Thinking of changing my career and becoming a CM. Advice pleazzzzzzzze x

10 replies

Princessofessex · 15/01/2009 12:05

Hi Can any of you lovely's give me some advice please, I am currently working in a office (been here 20 years) 4 days a week,
But Im thinking of becoming a CM,I have a D age 6 and between me and my husband we juggle/struggle to do school run's etc (he works 4 nights a week).On my day off (Friday) I work voluntry 9-12 for my D school.I have done my reading on becoming a CM and I really think I will enjoy it.But quite scared of such a big change in career
Has anyone else been in this or simular situ ?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
ayla99 · 15/01/2009 13:51

I used to work in admin before becoming a childminder. I do more typing as a childminder than I did then! Its not for the faint-hearted, but it can be very emotionally rewarding. For me, becoming a childminder was the best decision I've made, but it doesn't suit everyone.

While you can do the school run as a childminder with your own children, other trips for your family like after school clubs, parties, playdates, also dentist/optician/hair appointments can be hard to sort out. Although I'm here, I've had to ask for lifts for my own children far more than I can offer them due to childminding commitments. (not having enough seats in the car, having to be home for pickup/drop off times/meals & naps etc). When your children ask to have a friend round, you have to make sure you don't go over the numbers on your registration & insurance certificates (unless the parent comes too!).

DH has worked nights before, he's a heavy sleeper so he wasn't disturbed by the children playing. You really need the support of your family - the reality of sharing your house with other families can be a bit of a shock to your children who have to share you and their toys, and to husbands/partners who thought they'd be coming home to a spotless house cos you're home all day (how wrong can you be lol!)

Go on a pre-registration briefing, they didn't have these when I started. But I would hope they give all the info you need to make up your mind one way or the other. There is a lot of support available, its not the isolated job it used to be. All the best, whatever you decide.

dietstartstomorrow · 15/01/2009 14:04

I worked in an office environment for 10 years before I became a CM.

I love my job, and would not change it for the world. There are lots of cons, but the pros far outway them.

maggi · 15/01/2009 20:23

You have to be devoted to this new career. Rather than think you are becoming a childminder which conjours up images of keeping babysitting in your own home,think of it as running your own childcare business. Think of all the admin and background work a nursery manager has to do, then of all the preparation work the nursery staff do before the children arrive, then all the actual care of the children, then think of all the education a reception class teacher has to deliver, then think of all the glitter the cleaners have to hoover out of the carpets each day. Now consider that all of those jobs have to be done by one person. That person is you. By the way you also have to look after your own family too.

I start work at 6.30am and finish around sleep time. I haven't managed to get to a school play or parent's evening since I began this 2 years ago and also missed sports days because of the sleeping needs of my mindees on those days. It dosen't give you more time with your children!!!!!!

It is very satisfying. Your own children will be socially confident, tolerant and have a house full of toys.

thebody · 15/01/2009 20:57

Hi princessofessex, was a bit dubious because i thought your nick name was princessof sex and was going to suggest a far more lucrative career change...
but anyway its just as maggi says and with all child care careers the kudos is non existant but today I was able to take 2 lovely tots to feed the ducks and then cuddled up for a sleep under a blanket(them not me).. and get paid to do it.. wonderful...

be aware though of this site, there are some rabid pro nursery, anti cms lurking around so post a simple question at your peril.. see thread re child not playing by herself,, lol good luck..

blueshoes · 15/01/2009 21:41

hello, just don't slag off nurseries and you will be fine

thebody · 15/01/2009 21:47

what, even the crap ones...

blueshoes · 15/01/2009 21:50

I see the OP is quite safe here as she is not an ex-nursery worker.

thebody · 15/01/2009 22:07

true, you can never be too careful though.. anyway got to get my beauty sleep, tiny wrists to twist tomorrow behind closed doors, and whats on ceebeebies all day, must check....

blueshoes · 15/01/2009 22:20

Busy day of being 'rabid' for me. Nighty night

thebody · 16/01/2009 19:43

lol blueshoes, hope you have a great weekend and thats to everyone x

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