My 16 month oldest nursery has shut unexpectedly due to a fire and we've no idea when it'll be open. Her dad and I work full time and have no family or friends to babysit or help out.
I am lucky enough to be able to WFH with her with my very understanding boss, and her dad's work do allow it but very begrudgingly and just assume I should do it or wonder why we can't just ask a grandparent (whom live four hours away). It is not sustainable, either our work or toddler gets neglected and I hate relying on Miss Rachel or bloody Bounce Patrol just so I can get work done!
Anyway, as she's so happy and settled at this nursery and there aren't any others very close by (I don't drive so being closer is best), I'm considering one of those registered childminders that will look after her in their home but I have some concerns and questjons:
- A bit dark and I know anything could happen to her at nursery, but some of these childminders state they live at home with their husbands pr boyfriends or older children etc. and I'm unsure if I'm being unreasonable in worrying about this. Obviously they won't be registered or DBS checked child carers. This is entirely my own issue due to my own childhood experiences but does anyone else worry about this sort of thing?
- Some state they do days out to the beach or zoo etc. We live no where near these kind of attractions so it'd essentially be someone taking my child hours away. If I say no does she have to stay home with me or not go to the childminder for the day? And does anyone else worry about this sort of thing?
I'm aware bad things can happen at her nursery too but for some reason I feel less comfortable with her being with essentially some random woman in her home with her family! I'm sure these are trustworthy experienced people and I definitely have a bit of anxiety about it so I'd just like to know if anyone else worries about this sort of thing...