Now I feel awful - tell me it will be ok..........

[zaphod]

Have just engaged a childminder for ds3 and ds4, I am happy about her, she's experienced with good references, and so on. I have never needed childcare before as dh worked nights and I work part-time mornings. The job is in a pre-school and so fits in with the other kids schedules, and I will be able to bring ds3 next year, and ds4 the year after, so I would be crazy to quit. Also I enjoy it. Now dh has a day job, and so we need childcare. I feel guilty and worried and generally awful. Need re-assurance please.

I know Zaphod, I felt just like you do, but she sounds perfect and I am sure you will be fine and so will they. Don't feel guilty, its extra stimulation for them, don't worry - she will look after them really well, and don't feel awful, it sounds like a wonderful job
Let me know how you get on and chin up - after a couple of weeks you will wonder why you felt this way

Thanks,Lisa, I feel a bit better now, I'm sure you're right. It's just such a big step trusting someone else with your children. Anyway, if the boys are not happy there, then we can always think again, as MIL rang a while ago to offer to have them for me. However, she reared 8 of her own, and minded SIL's as well, so I feel that would not be fair to her. She should have some time to herself now. Anyway, it's an option if things don't work out.