Thinking of childminding

[traceym77]

Hi there

My name is Tracey and new to this forum. I currently have a 3 month old baby and am on maternity leave. I don't really want to (or feel it would be worthwhile going back to work next year as I would need to pay for childcare) so am thinking about doing childminding.

Has anyone else got little babies and can juggle minding with toddlers? One of my concerns is that I don't then spend enough time with my little boy as I'd be juggling time with others. Then I think at least this way I'll be able to spend most time with him. I also have a 6 year old daughter out at school. Another cocnern is housework etc. At the moment I seem to spend most of my time cleaning/ironing/dishes etc and as he's just a baby know this will get harder to do. If I have other children it is going to be even harder. How do others manage this? Do you have time during the day to do some basic cleaning or is it all go go go with the kids?

Looking forward to hearing some advice.
Thanks
Tracey

[helenlouise]

Hi Tracey

I started childminding when my son was 16 months, my daughter 3. I took on a 4 month old baby and found it fine. It worked well.

I liked the fact i could stay home with my own children while earning some money.

As for housework you can fit that round your hours. I have 1 day a week off where i try and get house stuff done coz to be honest when looking after small children theres not really time to do it.

I used to do a few jobs like washing, dishes and general tidying.and small children should sleep in the day giving you time.

5 years on i am still childminding, my children are now both at school. I can't see myself doing anything else for a while as they still need me school pickup etc and i can still attend school stuff if necessary with littleuns in tow.

Hope this helps
Good lluck
Helen

[angeldelight]

Hi Tracey

Welcome to the forum

I started minding when my children were young and now some of them are married or left home

Housework - that never goes away does it I do it every day around whatever I am doing regardless of if I have children here or not
Some days are hectic

It would be nice for your baby to grow up with other children and the advantage of having you home too

You could have an older child maybe
It is up to you at the end of the day that is why childminding is so good you can decide if you want to work full or part time
You could start off with just before and after schoolers

If you do want to register there is heaps to do before you actually get your certificate so your baby will be getting around and will be more independant anyway

Good luck you will get lots of information here if you decide to go ahead and you will also make some new friends

Keep us posted

Angel xx

[miffy]

Hi Tracey and welcome

Like Angel I started minding when my own children were young - I registered to care for my youngest sons best friend and have never stopped since.

I think it's a great job - you don't miss any of your own child's milestones, you can work as much or as little as you like and it's very rewarding.

It is also hard work, can be stressful and hectic and sometimes parents are not very appreciative - I am not trying to put you off

It worked well for my children - I looked after a lot of their friends - their first question every morning was always "who's coming today?" and I used to think that when they stopped asking that it might be time for me to stop minding but they never did.

Like Angel says there's lots of info on this sight and you'll get lots of help - all you have to do is ask.

Good luck

Miffy

[traceym77]

Hi there

Just wanted to say thanks for the warm welcome and the helpful advice. I've been thinking about this all morning and it makes sense to give it a go. Here is my next question. I have 3 people in mind to care for their children (which starts a problem straight away as three are babies). One is my neighbour. Her wee boy is 1 in April (mine is 1 in June). Going by regulations I could take him on in April couldn't I? As they're right next door, it would be ideal. However my sister in law has hinted for me to take her two (1 is 1 in August and the other is 3). Apart from car journeys, has anyone had experience in looking after 3 1 year olds (in fact not sure if allowed) and an active 3 year old. Other concern is, as she is family I'd feel bad taking money from her however if she had help wouldn't be so bad. Does anyone know how much tax credit help someone with 2 kids would get? It would help make my mind up. Also, in your experience, is it harder to work with family than people you don't know?

Answers greatly appreciated.
Tracey

[traceym77]

oops

Just realised I can only have 3 under 5 year old!