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

CM Club: The impossibility of life as a parent & childminder

35 replies

Katymac · 12/05/2010 07:25

DD needs an emergency appointment today

I found out about midday yesterday

It's in Cambridge so 2hrs away, we have to prepare to be there for 3-4hrs the 2hrs back

Fortunately because of the way I work I have cover; but in 'normal' childminding circumstances we would be losing business hand over fist

It doesn't always work

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
atworknotworking · 12/05/2010 07:30

Hope it all goes ok.

Sending your DD best wishes.

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 07:42

Thanks AWNW - it is tricky isn't it

OP posts:
HSMM · 12/05/2010 08:07

Hope it goes OK with DD.

I know what you mean about juggling CM and parenting though. My DD got a last minute call to dance last Friday and if parents hadn't agreed to pick up their children early at short notice, she would have had to miss it.

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 08:43

I am so stressed today

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeDogs · 12/05/2010 08:47

katy sending be strong vibes lovely lady x x x

MUM2BLESS · 12/05/2010 10:57

I have had my challenges with doing both. After almost two years of childminding I am learning very fast.

I have had to make some adjustments with my hours etc. I do not work before 07.30 or try not to work after 18.00 Tried both and I am not compfortable with too early start or too late finish.

I have four childrne of my own. I mind 5 children also. You have to stay balance with the hours you work. I also have various children on my books that may come if the parnets need my help.

My kids cannot always attend things because I am childmidning.

During the holiday times I only have two little ones who come two seperate days each. I try to give my children more time during the hols. I know this is not always possible for childminders to do.

If a parent comes to me and the hours etc are not right I will not usually take it on. Its got to be right for my family also.

I do understand that not everyone is able to pick and choose as some minders are struggling to find work. Some are doing things for parents that they do not want to do just to keep the money coming in. Thats not an easy thing to do!!!!

How long have you been minding Katymac?

I do not regret childminding but I have had my challenges!!!

looneytune · 12/05/2010 11:09

{{{big hugs Katy}}} Hope everything is ok xx

MumtoBless - Katy has been minding ages and she is on a much bigger scale than most of us. Think she just needed some hugs as we all know it can be hard when last minute things come up. I've had a lot of that this year (medical appointments, extra days off) and I know how hard it is to let parents down. Luckily Katy has assistants but it must still have meant juggling stuff.

alibubbles · 12/05/2010 12:58

Thinking of you Katymac, perhaps we could meet up sometime in Cambridge when you are next there ( I used to live there so any excuse, DH lived on the same road as Addenbrookes, big posh houses!) xx

MrsGokWan · 12/05/2010 14:13

thinking of you Katy. Hope that they can finally sort the problems your daughter is having out.

un=MNetty hugs to you both.

MUM2BLESS · 12/05/2010 14:32

Thanks Looneytune for your reply.

All the best Katy, a big hug from me too!!!!

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 16:32

Minding for just over 7 yrs - but the whole DD thing is getting very stressful tbh

Thanks everyone - it went brilliantly

OP posts:
Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 20:03

No it didn't it was a disaster

Oh crap

OP posts:
kolacubes · 12/05/2010 20:37

Katymac - I hope your dd is ok.

But with regards to the comments about dc missing out on stuff, unfortunately I think any working mother would have the same problems, regardless of job.

lollipopmother · 12/05/2010 21:08

Oh dear Katy, I hope it wasn't as disasterous as you thought, hope DD is ok.

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 21:23

She's got to have an MRI & a CT & blood tests

The optometrist is ringing the GP & sorting it all out

OP posts:
lollipopmother · 12/05/2010 21:28

sorry to hear that Katy, I hope it all gets sorted soon so that you can reduce your stress/worry levels a little.

Original poster
Katymac · 12/05/2010 21:40

Thanks

It has been a bit of a day - between getting time off work, the drive, the happiness that everything would be OK, followed by the phone call

OP posts:
HSMM · 12/05/2010 22:26

Oh Katy!

We're here for you.

atworknotworking · 13/05/2010 00:31

Fingers Crossed for your DD

MrsGokWan · 13/05/2010 07:10

(((hugs)) Katy

It will be fine. At least they are taking you seriously now and things are getting done, that is positive.

Original poster
Katymac · 13/05/2010 07:25

Thanks guys - I am feeling a bit stronger today & ready to face it all

OP posts:
Numberfour · 13/05/2010 08:12

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit stronger today. Hope your DD is, too.

alibubbles · 13/05/2010 08:26

Katymac, we're all here for you

I had days sometimes when I used to think, mummy always had other kids here and I never got to do such and such, or came second to the mindies.

And battling with logistics of special appointments, right the way through to visiting Uni's - DH did that, and I felt as though I missed out then!

My DC's know that childminding helped pay their school fees and all the extras that weren't strictly necessary, but I could say yes to and not have to think about it. So, swings and roundabouts and what goes around comes around is our family motto!

alibubbles · 13/05/2010 08:27

I meant to say, did my DCs think "mummy always had other kids here"

thebody · 13/05/2010 12:37

best of luck to you and your dd.. very stressful..hope all works out fine.. x