Crisis of confidence or a Sensible Reaction?? Help (AGAIN)

[abzbargs]

Hi,

I posted a couple of weeks ago about a mini drama. Everyone was so helpful so I've come back for more help I promise to return the favour once I have experience.

So my background: I am very newly qualified and plan to offering out of school care for a local primary school, starting the new school term. For me, offering the out of school will fit in nicely with my little boy who will be starting primary 1 in August. I also feel that I want to start gently with childminding with no rush to fill my 5 spaces. Also, although school children can be testing, they are robust (usually) and fairly sensible with regards to safety etc.

Today I had a phone call from a local charity who offer specialist training for mothers in difficult situations (I don't want to give too much away). My name was passed on to them (my advertising must be working). They are looking for someone to care for 2 children aged 1 and 2, for 2 hours 2 mornings a week, for 3 months. The times would be great, as it's after the school run.

However I'm thinking of declining because the older of the 2 children (2 yr old) has ADHD. I have no experience of ADHD at all and I worry that the combination of a child with ADHD and a baby, will be too much for me at first. My baby is now 4.5 yrs so I feel I'd like to gently ease myself in to working with a baby again, if I was going to.

Also, because I have just registered I've not been on any courses, and would feel that Child Protection/safeguarding children and also First Aid would give me some more confidence.

I've also thought that if the out of school care doesn't take off, then I would have then thought about taking on little children. However by agreeing to do this I would not have this possibility 2 days a week.

The other part of me is worried I'll be burning bridges as this would fit in perfectly with school runs and it's only 4 hours a week. I do lack confidence and will often not try things and regret it.

Do you think I'm being sensible if I don't do it? Also, should I tell them the real reason why I won't do it, which is mainly inexperience and lack of confidence!

[Koala]

It sounds like an excellent opportunity to develop personally.

Speak to the charity about supporting you as you don't feel you have the experience, however, you never will until you do, it make sense in my head.

It's good because you will just have them to focus on at the moment and it is just for short periods when your son is at school and you can still do after schoolies without each interfering, 3 months will go quickly.

If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out but you won't know until you try and this could be a good avenue for future business.

Go on give it a go.

[jackie 7]

I would do it. Great to get experience of little ones. Ask the people who want you to help these children for advice/training on ADHD. It can be very different in every child.

[sophie1977]

I think give it a go and this way you'll be gaining more experience and its only a few hours a week so that is easing yourself into it really. But Good luck in whatever decision you make

[benandjerrys]

I'm just wondering how a 2 year old can be diagnosed with ADHD as this is far too young. I would ask for more info.

[abzbargs]

I'm just wondering how a 2 year old can be diagnosed with ADHD as this is far too young. I would ask for more info.

That's interesting. I thought the lady said 2 yrs old on the phone but must check this out. Does seem young. If I agree to do this I will definitely ask for more info, I have her email address. Am researching ADHD at the moment! To be honest, if I were only to care for the child with ADHD I wouldn't be too concerned because I could put all of my energy into them only.

I am tempted.

[Donkey]

I, personally, think your are being very sensible. You are aware of your limitations and you are reflecting on you abilities as a newly registered cm.

Very good skills to have!

my best advice would be to find out more about the family, the needs of the child and if you can accomodate them. If you don't think you can, be truthful. It sounds like the family needs some support off someone who will be able to handle what is happening. The charity will not think less of you for saying that you don't think you have the experience to meet this families needs. You can always ask them to bare you in mind for any other work

[Donkey]

Oh and my first mindee, ever.... Had a global development delay, total language delay, had epilepsy and had no awareness of danger...........

talk about a baptism of fire!!!

(and also had this child when inspected by Mrs O on my very first inspection way back when, was interesting....)

Looking back with hindsight, should I have taken the work on?? Maybe I didn't have the experience, but I made up for it with enthusiasm and love. And boy did that child like cuddles!!!

[abzbargs]

Thanks for your responses. I emailed the lady back and was very truthful with her about how I felt. I basically said that I didn't feel I was experienced enough/had enough training to offer her services at this time. I said that once I had more experience and training under my belt I would probably be full of confidence and be happy to offer services. I asked her to keep me in mind as my availability would generally fit in well with her required timings.

I feel a bit flat now. Hope I did the right thing. The first day I would have been doing this would have been my boys first day at school, and also the day I start my out of school care. I think it would have been too stressful.

[CLL]

You did the right thing. These children have been through a Lot and will need masses of support. For her to tell you about his ADHD his behaviour must be challenging. Don't feel disheartened it is good you have been honest and sensible.

[kellyskidz!]

Glad you didn't just see the money side and dive straight in. You thought about it and told them honestly, she'll remember that and appreciate it. Don't feel like you let anyone down, I think you did the right thing xxx

[kellyskidz!]

Also, you need to have safeguarding and first aid training before you do any minding xx