Question for childminders....

[BeatrixRotter]

Have been asking this on the going back to work section and thought I might get some good advide here also.

I am due back at work soon, part time and with flexible hours and probably like all working mums I am very anxious about putting my DD into childcare. She'll be one year.

She is a happy baby with generally an easy temperament. In your experience will she be happiest with a childminder for shorter periods of time spread over 4 days or for 2 or 3 longer days?

Longer days in my view. I'm a nanny and care for a 1 year old who is very well adjusted to having 10 hour long days with me.
When you say longer day - how many hours? Some childminders don't want children starting at the crack of dawn and staying late at night.

With longer days, you will get more full days with your DD, thus you can make the entire day quality family time.

Thank nannynick, I never thought of me getting more full days with her that way.

I was thinking say 2 full days (10 hours) versus 3 or 4 shorter ones. It is just scary to think of her being away so long!

Thank nannynick, I never thought of me getting more full days with her that way.

I was thinking say 2 full days (10 hours) versus 3 or 4 shorter ones. It is just scary to think of her being away so long!

2 full days is easier to get children settled in my opinion. A day has a kind of rhythm to it and being in 2 places in a day messes that up - not saying your lovely CM won't go to playgroup,trips etc, but that'll all be in the rhythm of that day.
Do a few half days leading up though to get settled in.

Tues and Thur are great days to avoid bank holidays etc and you can go away for long weekends without having to think about cancelling childcare.

Brilliant, I'd have thought 2 days in a row would be better but what you say makes sense.

Thanks guys