Does anyone just relax!

[Miss freckles]

Ok, so what I wanted to know is how many people every now and then have quite a relaxed day.

I haven't felt great the past couple of weeks, trying to get everything ready for an inspection, paperwork, planning, new children settling, child that's been hitting out at everyone and everything, a difficult parent and I've been feeling like coming into his job was all a big mistake and when my husband told me to just have a relaxing day I laughed not possible!

However today I took his advice obviously the children 14 m and 18 m are cared for, being fed etc but so far I've let them do there own thing all morning obviously I've been there chatting away but it's been very relaxed I've done no morning activity today and I've just allowed them to watch cbeebies for a little while, they were excited as I normally only have tv time after naps are finished at 2:30 for 20 mins before the school run.

The problem is I feel so incredibly guilty for being so relaxed this morning, please make me feel normal by letting me all know you have relaxing days sometimes

[kellyskidz!]

I've done the same today so you're not alone!
My two mindees and I went to playgroup where they immediately shot off and left me standing there, like a spare part!
I did paint a picture with them and built a Lego tower but they were mainly wanting to do their own thing, so I let them and had a chat with another cm while I kept an eye on them
I did feel a little uneasy because we feel we should be hovering around them 24/7 but they honestly didnt want me there
Aside from feeling a little redundant it was a relaxed fun and easy morning and they're worn out from all their free play now!

[sing-low]

I did the same the other day - it was lovely. We just chilled out at home in the afternoon, playing with the toys and doing whatever came to mind - singing, peek a boo, looking at books. I've been rushing like crazy sorting my paperwork out for my first graded inspection and I'd just had enough of the craziness. Plus it's good for children to 'hang out' and play with you there with them. I have to take them out for the school run everyday anyway so we get out, get some fresh air, meet some people. We all needed a break, me most of all. A tired, burnt out childminder isn't going to be on top form for the children anyway.

[tess1981]

I went on a start to play course for 2 year olds a few years ago and I was told to allow the children plenty of free play and let them decide what hey want to do so that is what I do... except allowing tv all day. I still do planned activities such as painting or baking with out the children
asking or go on walks but I offer a home to home environment, children don't do activities all day at home. many of mine like to
play with their toys on the floor without being hassled

[Kirstylob]

Nothing wrong with a relaxing day now and again! Children need to be given space and time to play on their own, isn't that what free play is? Besides children need to become independent and that doesn't just mean dressing or feeding themselves, it means being able to play without and adult hovering and showing them what to do all the time.

[Tealady]

I think the longer you do this job the more relaxed you get. We do have some complete free days but my days as a rule my activities are 80% off the cuff. Often I'll just set up an activity off the back of something that came out of free play. Once they've done that they go back to free play.

I used to plan and set up loads of things only for them to ditch it within minutes or just not want to do it at all. They seem to get much more from my approach as they are "in the zone" so engage more... and I'm happier and more relaxed for it too.

[Miss freckles]

Thanks for the replies I feel a lot less guilty already!

I worked in schools and nurseries a lot before this so I think I've found it hard to steer away from that, it's very true that it is a home away from home setting and I need to find that balance, although it's not always that easy as Ofsted don't seem to want that home from home relaxed environment.

[Roseolivia]

We have loads of relaxing days. Most my mindees are little boys who aren't bothered with crafts so it's a chore for them and me to be doing activities like that all the time. My boys like cars and trains etc but are still learning lots from them, colours, counting, words etc..

We've had a relaxing day today, we took our dog for a walk this morning, came back and played with the cars and happyland before lunch, had a sleep, school run and are now watching tv with the schoolies before tea.

[emma04]

Thanks for the replies I feel a lot less guilty already! I worked in schools and nurseries a lot before this so I think I've found it hard to steer away from that, it's very true that it is a home away from home setting and I need to find that balance, although it's not always that easy as Ofsted don't seem to want that home from home relaxed environment.

I have a relaxed day twice a week! I'm a childminder not an employer, here to make children work/play at what I set out for them!

They love the choice, the freedom, the ability to make up their own games and such like. Is this not what the early years is all about!!

Dont ever feel guilty for allowing the children time to do their own thing! X

[cathtee]

I too have had 2 free play days this week, although one was at soft play it was still free play as they did as they liked while being
observed how are the lo's supposed to develope imaginery play if they are always given things to do if that makes sense

[bindy]

I always allow my children free play, every day!! If they are really happy and I can see they don't want me to interfere I leave them alone. Its so important kids are allowed their own time, even if I have planned something, it waits, until they are ready.

[starlight1]

I build in free play every day....

No one wants to be told what to do all day long...

We also had a music session this am with CD's on and musical instruments...Mindee enjoyed it so much when she got up from nap she pointed at CD player and we did is all over again..