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Parenting

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Original poster

does this strike you as being unsafe ?

13 replies

bananacarnival · 22/10/2013 21:18

I'm in desperate need of help with my children from time to time with things like school pick ups (occasional) and days when child is unwell and I've got to go in to work for a few hours.

I was contemplating putting a note through the letterboxes of nearby residents (live in London suburbs - a very quiet area) to see if a middle -aged lady might be able to help out occasionally (paid local childminder rate). We have been living here for 3 years but it's a bizarre place, everyone keeps themselves to themselves. I'm friendly with my immediate neighbours but they're very old or not very often around.

I'm too shy to go knocking on people's doors, but wondered if dropping a little slip through doors stating that I'm a local mum looking for occasional help with children- is it a risky dangerous thing to do? I'd only have my mobile number on there.

Would you do it? Can you think of any other way I can get a local at-home lady to help? No newsagents nearby ! Really out in the sticks. Oh and with regards to parents from the school, it's awkward. Both children have limited friends and these friends mothers happen to have 4+ children with tiny baby. . Rather not burden them.

Thankyou

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AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 22/10/2013 21:21

Hmm I don't think I would. What about asking at school?

Itsjustafleshwound · 22/10/2013 21:22

I would rather look to put an advert/line in the local church newsletter or put an ad in the local newspaper.

I just think that with the unpredictability of what you are asking is also tricky

Wolfiefan · 22/10/2013 21:23

Um no. What about getting CRB check etc?

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AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 22/10/2013 21:26

Yes church newsletter is a good idea!

hippo123 · 22/10/2013 21:27

Don't do it, that's just asking for trouble. Ask every parent you can if they know of anyone they could recommend instead. Still not ideal but an improvement on your plan.

afussyphase · 22/10/2013 21:34

netmums? unfortunately their local sites are more well-trodden than MN's ... you might find a local childminder, local adult who does occasional babysitting, or another option on there. Ask at local nurseries too; our nursery's staff do ad-hoc extra pickups and babysitting and they are all of course crb checked and all that. Having said all that, we kind of have the same issues (hopefully resolving slowly). And some of the families you know with many DC may themselves have people who help them out; you could ask if they know anyone, too.

debbie1412 · 22/10/2013 22:00

I'm sorry ,I wouldn't tbh you don't know who they are of what they do.

BlingLoving · 22/10/2013 22:03

I think this is not a good idea. Use netmums local or gumtree or similar and find someone you can then check up on.

MuffCakes · 22/10/2013 22:04

Is there not a mum at school you could swap these sort of things with?

Original poster

bananacarnival · 22/10/2013 22:04

Thank you so much for these replies. It's very good to know that no one thinks it's a smart idea. Church idea sounds good, yes I'll ask the school too. Many thanks

OP posts:

barmybunting · 22/10/2013 22:06

What about gumtree? I would insist on a CRB check before you let them look after your children as well.

Or could you ask school/friends mums/church/community centre/clubs etc for any suggestions of people who might be able to help?

My Mum works 2 days a week picking up a local families children from school and taking them home, dinner, homework etc. She is a qualified teacher and has years of experience in nurseries etc as well, but she was retired and not looking for work at the time. However, this local family asked a mutual friend if they knew anyone who could help and after various meetings, references and a CRB check, my Mum now effectively acts as a part time nanny for them. It works well, but neither my Mum or the family would have done this without putting a formal contract and CRB checks into place.

gutzgutz · 22/10/2013 22:14

What about older teenagers (college/ a-level age)? I picked up work like this age 18 (mid-1990s) having babysat locally for several years so could provide references from other local families. Also London suburbs. I actually placed an advert in the local newsagents looking for work. If you check them out you can satisfy yourself of their trustworthiness.

mummyxtwo · 23/10/2013 19:46

The council has a list of local registered childminders - phone them and ask for a copy. Definitely don't put adverts through doors - you never know who might like to look after your children for dubious and sinister reasons. You can't be too careful. Even a CRB check just means someone hasn't done anything bad yet.

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