Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Paid childcare

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

Original poster

Just saying hello

79 replies

whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:03

Hi, i have just joined mumsnet and have plucked up enough courage to write something! I am a mum and a childminder so thought i'd start here... i haven't got anything to say other than hello at the moment, (god, this sounds awfull...hope someone reads this...?!)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:04

Welcome Whirlygiggle - how many children do you have and how many do you mind?

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:06

Hi KatieMac..I have 2 girls aged 4 and 6 and look after 5 part timers

OP posts:
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:09

I have a DD who is 7 (going on 14) and I mind 10 under 5's and up to 6 over 5's

I work with my DH and I also have two C/Mer helpers an assistant (all PT) and 3 helpers for holiday & sickness cover

It's very busy at my house

How long have you been minding - We've been at it 2 yrs

kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:14

Hi whirlygiggle, welcome to mumsnet

I have 3 girls aged 10,7 and 4

I mind 4 parttimers, 3 of which are before/after schoolies and another starting in september.

How long have you been minding?

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:15

Wow!! I thought i was busy!!! It must be great working with other adults....That is what i least enjoy about my job, being on my own...obviously we do have a great social circle, but just to be able to bounce ideas off another adult without feeling like you are being unprofessional must be great! I have been doing this for almost 2 years now...

OP posts:
Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:16

Hi kcemum!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:17

Have you thought about joining a network or mentoring a newer childminder - so you can talk to other c/mers etc

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:19

Not the mentoring, I don't feel confident enough to do that I don't think, and the childminders around here keep pretty much to themselves...

OP posts:
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:22

Where are you is there a network - you could work to get on it and the co-ordinator would help you to get to know the others

Also we all talk on here as long as no names or identifiable information we can discuss problems and decide on courses of action etc

kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:24

Do you mind me asking what area you live in?
Do you belong to a local group?
I know what you mean about some minders keeping to themselves although where I am they are pretty good and very friendly.

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:25

Well i am quite worried about that...can anyone find out who you are on this? What if one of the parents were members too? They could read all about your moans etc!!

OP posts:
Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:28

There is a local 'co ordinator' I think that is her title..but the group is just run to take advantage of the group rate insurance as far as I can see...

OP posts:
kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:29

Don't think that people would be able to find out who you are, and as katymac says we don't say anythingnames etc that would give your ientity away.

Feel free to ignore my questuion, I'm just being nosey!!

kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:30

and I can't spell tonight!

KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:30

I was too at the beginning - butyou don't put up identifiable information - says she who just posted her website a few days ago.

But using your normal confidentiality you could discuss a child eg A aged 20 months id=s throing food - can anyone advise etc

It can be tricky but change a few bits and you'll be OK (if you only had one mindee it would be more difficult)

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:31

Sorry I sound so rude!!! I am just paranoid!!!

My local childminders group is run purely for insurance purposes, they don't actually meet and as far as I know there are only about 4 in it!!

OP posts:
Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:33

I am getting confused!! cut and pasted the same thing x2!!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:33

Our Network (helped by NMCA's "children come first")
does 6 weekly nspection visits - a godsend,

organises training last week we have a disability one run by this fantastic motivational speaker (who happened to be blind),

does days out

has monthly meetings offering support and a toy & equipment library

I might remember other things that they do - later

KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:36

This is my network

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:38

Wow..that is fantastic!!! I feel like a glorifed baby sitter at the moment...rather than the professional childcarer I read about in the NCMA mags etc...some support like that would be great!!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 11/06/2005 22:41

Whats you general area (city/town) I'll have a look for you

You are a proffessional - you may need more support or training but you are a valued and necessary part of the countries economy

Repeat after me "I am not a babysitter - I am a Professional Childcare Practitioner" TEN TIMES

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:42

Nottinghamshire..is that too broard?

OP posts:
kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:43

AH snap, so am I!

Original poster
whirlygiggle · 11/06/2005 22:44

I am scared now!!!

OP posts:
kcemum · 11/06/2005 22:47

Don't worry, your secret is safe with me!

P.s I know now that you are not in my area as we have more than 4 members and we meet up twice weekly. (Well I don't get to many meetings for various reasons)

Seriously please don't worry.