How can I soften this coversation with CM?

[NoseyNooNoo]

When I pick DS (23months) from CM after lunch today I'll be telling CM that DS won't be going to her after the end of the summer.

We moved about 9 months ago so the travel is a pain and DD is starting nursery attached the school from September near our current home so the travel will be too much. I'm going to find childcare for DS closer to home.

I love our CM. She has been a total star and I hate to end our relationship.

I'm sure she has guessed why I want to talk to her later but how do I soften the blow? I feel really disloyal.

Any tips? I just hope I don't cry.

you will have already softened by giving her plenty of notice - she will appreciate this very much

don't worry about crying, she will bawl with you quite possibly

make sure that you follow up in writing

bless you what a lovely person you must be to work with

Tell her exactly what you have said here - she will appreciate the truth, will probably feel the same way as you but will be used to parents having to make these decisions at some point - showing her your feelings is good, and how much you have appreciated her ... that is what will last with her..
good luck ....

She may already have guessed at why you want a word anyway so do not worry. My current lo is leaving shortly, mum gave me 2½ months notice which was very much appreciated and we both had trouble keeping the tears at bay when she broke the news to me (they are moving away). i have spent these remaining weeks just enjoying the very special bond we have as I know this is part and parcel of childminding, they all move on eventually. You could write a nice reference for her, my parent has written a review for me on my childcare.co.uk profile.

Well, I have just done the deed.

I just blurted it, having practised it in my head repeatedly. She wasn't surprised but had hoped I wanted to talk about the summer holidays. We were both a bit emotional and we'll definitely stay in touch going forward.

It wasn't as bad as I thought to be honest but I won't want to repeat it in a hurry!

I now have to write her an excellent reference in time for anyone who will visit her to replace my child and think about a great thank you present.

well done you