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View Full Version : Too much to take on?



snufflepuff
08-10-2010, 08:29 AM
I have had an enquiry for an 8 month old. If everything goes well when I meet Mum and I end up taking him on this would mean i'd have 3 under 2's on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. (then 2 under 2's on a Thursday and only my son on a Friday) This obviously makes it hard to get out and about. I already have 3 under 2 on a Monday and we never go further than the local park because one has to go on a buggy board.
My son is still young and i'm still very new to this so i'm worried about overloading myself.
I'd have to let my schoolie go which will be very hard but better in a way because the school run is a real nightmare and not really worth the money.
Do you think being restricted like this 3 days a week is too much? Could it cause problems? Would it be a problem ofsted/ EYFS wise that i'm not taking the children to various places? We would obviously go outside but it might only be the garden, is that enough?
Is anyone in a similar situation?
I need to ring Mum back today and I don't want to invite her for a visit it realistically I can't help her- no point wasting everyone's time.

I find this a real downside to this job- nobody to talk things over with!

Lady Haha
08-10-2010, 08:37 AM
Sorry, I can't offer any advice as I don't have littlies, but that would be too much for me!!:laughing:

But you are used to it on a Monday, so maybe you would be okay.

I'm sure some one will come along with something a bit more constructive in a min!

Chatterbox Childcare
08-10-2010, 08:42 AM
I had 3 under 2 a few years back and yes it is hard work but very rewarding. If they can all walk then they can take it in turns, they will run along happily together so let them on the paths if you are not by the road

Give it a go and I am sure you will like it

crazyhazy
08-10-2010, 08:48 AM
Do you normally go further afield? I only ask cos I don't drive so we do tend to stick near the house mostly and I don't find it an issue. So for me if I could still get to the park and woods which are just a few mins walk from home then I would do it. When you say under twos how old is the eldest? Remember once they get used to walking they get better at it quite quickly so it's likely it'll just be a few months of being restricted where you go. Plus with them all being similar ages you'll be able to arrange activities for them at home which are suitable for them all.

buzzy bee
08-10-2010, 08:54 AM
I posted something similar a couple of weeks ago and had a positive response from other childminders on here, so I decided to do it... I have my own 10 month old, plus 2 mindees who are about 14 and 17 months. It's only for 2 half days a week that they're all together but so far it's going well.

On the plus side, they all have a nap together in the morning, so I get a nice hour to get things done (and sometimes even sit down for a quick coffee!!)

In the afternoon 2 of them still have naps and have them at different times so that's equally nice, as it means I only have 2 at a time. I haven't taken them to the park yet (not brave enough!) but we go in the garden and play indoors and so far it's been okay.

Like crazyhazy says, in a few months the walker(s) might be walking better so you'll be able to do more (that's what I'm counting on with mine!)

Have you got childminder friends or friends with kids? You could invite them round in the morning and have your own mini-playgroup at your house!!

Goatgirl
08-10-2010, 09:00 AM
Hi :),
Obviously only you can know all the variables and make a decision based on how you feel. What's your gut telling you?

Maybe the best thing to do is write a pros and cons list to get a broader view. If the school run is really stressful and you think you could arrange things so you could work 3 days with 3 lo's with a minimum amount of stress, then go for it!

Regarding the going out part. When I had my inspection I told the inspector about all the places we go (out every day) but she was far more concerned about trying to do something with my garden to give the children freer access to outdoor play.
So I think being at home most of the day or even all of it, so long as everyone's needs are met and development opportunities provided is great and will be fine with ofsted. ... If you know anyone with children who you could meet up with at the park, once a week or so, that should count as 'socialising' I would think.

For me personally I'd go stir crazy though :D

Good luck, hope it works out for you :)

snufflepuff
08-10-2010, 10:15 AM
Thank you ladies I think you may be giving me the confidence to go for it!

With regards to going out- currently on the days I have 2 LOs we will go in to the town centre- library, childrens centre, market, parks, duck ponds. On a Monday when I have 3 LOs it's the small local park or back garden.
Walking-wise, the 3 I already have can all walk. One is very slow and unsteady, and will only walk if you hold her hand. Another is clumsy and trips over everything- (a leaf, a twig, her own feet!) and my son is at the stage where he will try to run off/ step off the path/ stop and sit down. I suppose by January when this 8 month old needs to start they will be that little bit better at it all. They will be 19, 22 and 23 months.
It would be minimal extra working hours, and I suppose the extra paperwork for an extra child shouldn't be too much really.
My Mum has every Wednesday off work and every other Monday, and she loves spending time with us so we are in the process of having her registered as an assistant. So I know she will be more than happy to help out therefore making it possible to go further afield.

flowerpots
08-10-2010, 10:34 AM
Hi,

I have 3 under 2 mostr days (g-18months, r-17months & e-20months).
I love it! because they are so close in age hey all enjoy the same activities so i dont have to plan for the age differences. We go out to playgroups most days and to the park and once you and they are into a little routine its quite easy. they take it in turns in the pushchair. it does take a long time to get anywhere, but im never in any rush so it doesnt really matter to me. the 3 girls have become very close and bonded very well.

i think if you feel you can do it, it would feel very rewarding at the end of each week to see them all progressing.

hth

kate :-)

funfunfun
08-10-2010, 10:39 AM
I have 3 under 3's on a thursday & friday + my own 3 year old so 4 :panic:

I put the younger ones in the double and walk the other holding on

takes ages to get anywhere mind :lauging: we generally have lots & lots of time outside in the garden and with 2 school runs anyway i think thats enough ......physically for them and me :blush:

I love the littleies though and as debbie said its very rewarding stressfull though xxxxx

id say in you situation only you know what is too much for you .