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

[Katymac]

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

It's tricky and I hope your DD is doing OK. There are the same pressures for any working parent (though mostly mothers!) although the details of the pressure do vary with your job and how understanding your boss is.

I don;t thin kanyone ever manages to feel that they are getting it quite right - in your case I think the set up YOU have chosen enables you to be as felxible as possible so I think you can take credit for that.

Thanks everyone - still no news

I am waiting to hear about the next stuff - I guess it will be weeks

I'm not sure how much longer I can do my job

The week after next I have 3 appointments & 3 the following week

I'm really sorry to hear that Katy - in this situation though family must come first, as you know.

Is the business running at capacity for all of the days you're needing off then, you couldn't be covered by the assistants in some way?

It's just not only am I not working when I am out of the setting, but I have to pay someone as well

We will go bust

Not knowing all the circumstances, this might be an insensitive question (if so, very sorry), but can someone else (partner??), help out with some of the appointments. It is tough in these situations and not only are you fearful for your business, but you feel that you are simply letting the mindees parents down. If any minder has got understanding and sympathetic parents, I am sure it is you - maybe now is the time to play your trump card and test the relationship with the parents.

DH can cover for me sometimes - but he isn't very well himself

He will also take DD to basic appointments - but when they need input/info/participation he just doesn't know the answers & struggles to make decisions.

My mum has been taking her too or covering for me at work but she is 65 & wasn't too well herself last spring (bypass surgery) so I can't ask too much

My parents are wonderful & so far have not been asked to change much or lose any minding - but how long it's sustainable I don't know

Any other childminders that could help out, I don't know where you are but I have thursdays off, there may be others close by that would help.

Good point.

Would you like to tell us where you are so anyone close by could help you out?

I heard about a potential new member of staff last night - obviously it will take months for her to be CRB checked & until then I can't use her in ratio. But another person to do 'stuff' will be great - we are looking at about 20 hrs a week; so 'fingers crossed' for me/her/us