Put offs

[kellyskidz!]

Some of these are so funny!
I'm afraid to say that a dog (especially a large one) would put me off too, also a dirty house or a clinically clean one (see, we just can't win)
Also I go strongly on vibes, I think you know pretty much within the first 5 mins if this person is right for your child, also I basically know within the first 5 mins if the family looking around will fit in with my setting. Never been wrong yet (touch wood)

[primula]

One interview I had (for 1day a week) mum asked about what kind of meals I provided I reeled of a list including fish fingers, she asked me where I got them from I said Sainsbury/Tesco and she said 'Oh, you don't make them yourself??!.

[caz3007]

When my dd was small, she is nearly 25 now, I had to use a childminder for just an hour in the evenings. First she went to a CM who had an immaculate house and really wasn't happy there. I then found another who had a really messy untidy house and loads of animals in cages, she loved it there and used to point at the house when we passed, this lady had her own older children and they used to play with Clare and she loved the animals. The fact the house was messy and a bit grubby and probably wouldn't pass Ofsted requirements in this day and age, but Clare was happy and that made all the difference

[wee_elf]

Its a really fine line between OCD clinical tidy and a episode of hoarders lol!! I am aiming for "children obviously live here!" xx

[charlottenash]

The put off last night was dogs.

They love dogs, the child loves dogs but she just feels it would be 'one more thing' to worry about.

They loved everything else about the place so I tried to be positive and told her to ask for all of the ways the dog is incorporated into learning and where they are kept etc.

[Maza]

The put off last night was dogs.

They love dogs, the child loves dogs but she just feels it would be 'one more thing' to worry about.

They loved everything else about the place so I tried to be positive and told her to ask for all of the ways the dog is incorporated into learning and where they are kept etc.

Gosh, have they got more minders to see?

[charlottenash]

Oh yes I think they will be seeing every childminder in the area lol

[yummyripples]

I pity the minder that they end up with lol

[charlottenash]

I don't, they're a lovely family, and wonderful to work with.

[doris127]

I had one family who didn't come because I had a TV in my playroom. I didn't have a separate playroom it was my living room. I did say it was never on during the day but she wanted me to remove it. Another didn't come as she wanted me to provide a freshly cooked tea - which was no problem as I did it for others - however her issue was that she couldn't see how I could cook and look after her son at the same time.

[sing-low]

It's a compliment to you, Charlotte, that they're finding it so hard to find a cm they like!

[little chickee]

Re the dog thing. I have 2 dogs, have had them since before i started minding. A Lab and a Spaniel. I have only ever lost 1 potential customer because of the dogs and it was because the Dad was highly allergic.

I have actually gained several customers BECAUSE of the the dogs. Parents didnt have dogs at home and wanted their children to grow up around animals.

So whereas i can see that maybe dogs might put off some folk I think its a bit daft to rule out a cm straight away purely cos of a dog.

[little chickee]

What would put me off is seeing the way a cm interacts with children.
A cm at my toddlers gets quite annoyed when her year old mindee squishes her fruit in her hand, gives her a row and says " eat it properly".

Another is sooooo strict with her mindees, constantly saying don't do this and that for tiny little unimportant things.

I would rather a slightly chaotic house with a dog and a relaxed and caring cm anyday.

[~Grasshopper~]

When i was looking for a cm for ds1. I was put off onw cm because her house smelt fusty and her only mindee was sat on the sofa with no toys out. She made me read reems of papers and said if i was late shed call social services eek. I choose the one with a messy house and no paperwork. The kuds were happy and grubby lol x

[Samijanec]

I'd agree with it all except for the use of upstairs, I don't care if a parent won't use me because I won't let their child into my personal space. To be honest I wouldn't want them to use me. Upstairs is our space and no child is going to nap in my sons bed.. I know this may sound harsh and I really don't mean it to but there has to be limits and some parts of our home have to remain ours.

[charlottenash]

She did say if the dog was a lab she'd be less put off because there more child friendly.

[AliceK]

She did say if the dog was a lab she'd be less put off because there more child friendly.

Rubbish. She obviously knows nothing about dogs is all I can say.

xxx

[Samijanec]

Rubbish. She obviously knows nothing about dogs is all I can say. xxx

Yep I have a springer puppy who is fab with the kids.

[shortstuff]

She did say if the dog was a lab she'd be less put off because there more child friendly.

surely thats less to do with the breed and more to do with training and responsible owners?

[charlottenash]

I had a springer spaniel as a child and was bitten. All would have their own opinions I guess, I didn't open this topic to be a 'bite back' debate just suggestions to what puts parents off. As previously stated in this post every single parent looks for different things so it's not a list of things we should all abide by.