Regular groups

[munch149]

Is it wrong to go to groups everyday? I feel like I have little time for planned tasks as an out so much but if a day goes by that I don't go to a group my parents are shocked and don't like it. I went to lots with my own daughter and new mindee parents new this and think that's why they chose me. Also have different children everyday and don't want them to miss out on groups because they don't come on the right day. Is it ok?

[smurfette]

I think it's great you get out and about that is one of the reasons my parents choose me too! Funnily enough this morning I went to a childminders group at a soft play this am and the two 1 year olds I had with me lost the plot when we went into the ball pool even though I was with them in it! They are not used to the noise and stimulation! Took them an hour to get into it, I think it's so important for stimulation.

However I am in Ireland and don't have to do anything like the level of paperwork you guys do so I don't know! If you do need to do more at home you will have to just explain this to parents I guess

[mazza58]

I know what you mean i was looking at my planning the other day and thinking that i just cant fit all in due to children come at 8am we go to group at 8.30 back at 11.30 lunch at 12 then a sleep from 12.30 until 2 and one goes home at 2.45 that is a tues and it is the same on a thurs, so i have now decided to have a group free day on a weds so that we can do some planned activities at home or go to the park etc. I only work tues, weds and thurs.

[Tealady]

If you're parent's want groups and your LO's like groups then I don't see the problem. Children will often follow their own interests at these things and as long as your not leaving them too it whilst you chat and have a coffee for the whole time you are there you should be able to interact with them enough and support them to try something that's their next steps.

[phoenix2010]

I wouldnt want to go every day , but if thats why they chose you..........

Im sure if they could see you have planned activities they wouldnt mind you cutting down

How about a plan on the wall , so they can see that the mornings you dont go to group you have planned a specific activity which is equally important to socialising at groups

[Petshrinklj]

I think if the parents and mindees like the group and you don't mind going then I think it's great. It's reassuring for me to read as I am per-reg and take my daughter to goups everyday and was worried I'd not be able to if had mindees so its good to know other childminders get to go to groups. I think getting used to all the hustle and bustle of lots of kids in same room is something kids need to experience before starting school

[NI MINDER]

I was surprised too when a Mum told me that she choose me due to the fact I went out loads with the kids..... But like Murphf I live in Northern Ireland and not so much paperwork to do.

[loocyloo]

i don't have the opportunity of groups to go to every day - because there are not that many around me and some are held in the same place with the same toys and others are only twice a month!

those i do go to, i usually go to every 2 or 3 weeks, as they are each on a day that i have a child that only comes that day! ( my others come 3 days a week or 2 days a week! ) so if i want to go somewhere else, or have a day at home, i rotate them!

i try to make sure that we are not out every day as i like to have a day at home to follow up ideas and play with all my resources! sometimes friends and children come to play on those days.