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View Full Version : keeping work and private life totally seperate



ziggy
28-01-2014, 05:36 PM
I posted last summer asking how many on here mix business with pleasure. I have often been invited to parties of mindees and their parents, as well as christenings etc etc. I never felt comfortable going as I see childcare as a profession and am a very different person when not working. I always felt people were watching and judging me.

Anyway after a misunderstanding I lost 4 of my 5 mindees just before christmas.

This week a new 10month old started, I also have 12month old mindee. Although i live in a small village I dont know these 2 families, plus they are much younger than me.

Cant believe the difference this has made. We just chat about the children's day and the weather. When i close the door at 5pm that is work over and i can relax.

I've found out the hard way minding for friends just doesnt work

Koala
28-01-2014, 05:48 PM
Totally agree Ziggy.

rickysmiths
28-01-2014, 05:51 PM
I have minded for friends particularly when my two were at Primary and some 10 years on we are still all friends. Maybe I was lucky.

I have been to Christenings, Bar Mitzvah, Birthdays over the years but not all families by any means. I think it very much depends on the family. I don't see it as unprofessional because I feel that when it works families become inter twined and we are a very important part of the child's early life. I am always flattered if I am invited. This summer we went and stayed with an ex family for a week and had a lovely time.

We often have a Christmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies afternoon and I invite all my parents to that.

hectors house
28-01-2014, 05:51 PM
It's hard to keep it that way though - it's a mindees mums 40th today and I bought her a present and gave her a big hug & kiss - this family have been in my life for over 5 years now, when I am stressed this lovely mum will give me a fantastic massage. But although I have been to mindees birthday parties and to the some of the parents big birthday parties I have always tried to not socialise with them, I don't go out drinking with them or have them round for BBQ's or meals - I have my friends and they have theirs. Most of the parents are only about 10 years younger than me but because they all have young children and mine have grown up I am a different generation.

Glad to hear the little ones and the parents have settled in well and you are feeling more relaxed. :thumbsup: