Top tips for new childminders...

[mumofone]

...What are yours?

[FloraDora]

Stay on top of your paperwork, it's the most moaned about area, the side that everyone panics over when they get the Ofsted call, set aside a time to do it and count that as important working time.

[Maza]

Get paid in advance.

Keep your professional head on at all times.

[natlou82]

Toughen up! Be confident in how you choose to run your business and don't let people take advantage. Be organised, and I recommend routines and setting boundaries, children do actually like routines and to know where they stand in the setting once they know how it all works it generally runs pretty smoothly (even when you've got a house full). Try and relax which I know is difficult sometimes, but if you relax and just enjoy your time with the little ones it becomes really clear why you do this job :-)

[shortstuff]

Be prepared for unusual requests. Also to say you will think about said request before giving an answer. This prevents you from regretting something said in haste

[crumpet54]

Great tips thank you all x

[joannetalbot]

Definitely stay on top of paperwork. Easier said than done I know, but if the systems you've got in place don't work for you, change them until you're happy!

Go with your gut instincts with parents......

Do what's right for you and your family always.....

xxx

[Sammy Jo T]

I'm liking this thread! Keep them coming everyone. I'm taking notes!

[Fitrix]

Payment upfront. Decide on your policies and stick to them. Decide what you will and won't accept and stick to it. It's all too easy to swap the odd day as a favour to parents of a part timer but they usually always take advantage of your one off favour. Never become too friendly with parents - keep it professional at all times. Some of the loveliest parents can turn instantly nasty when their expectation/money is concerned. Always carry a change of clothes and nappies because the one time you don't they will have a poo explosion and fall in a muddy puddle. Always expect the unexpected!

[Mouse]

Remember you're there to look after the children, not be their best buddy.

I've seen so many childminders letting children get away with all sorts because they're frightened to say anything in case it upsets them. Set firm boundaries and stick to them. It's better for the children to have firm but fair rules - and they will still like you

[tess1981]

The way my day is going today make sure you have wine in the fridge for when last mindee is getting into the car... Make sure door is closed don't even wait for them to pull of the street....
Can you tell I having a bad day... 3 X 3yo who are all twisting and fighting and yelling tales and throwing and snapping and shouting and did I mention fighting.....

[smurfette]

The way my day is going today make sure you have wine in the fridge for when last mindee is getting into the car... Make sure door is closed don't even wait for them to pull of the street.... Can you tell I having a bad day... 3 X 3yo who are all twisting and fighting and yelling tales and throwing and snapping and shouting and did I mention fighting.....

Hope the wine has helped and tomorrow is better! Xx

[tess1981]

Hope the wine has helped and tomorrow is better! Xx

Settled for a hot bath with my lush bathbombs and a TV marathon of Charmed and an early night.... could not face today if I had have drank the bottle of wine as I would not have stopped at one glass lol

[JCrakers]

Set good base rules for the children and stick to them
Only agree to things/requests that you are happy about
Keep up with paperwork
Don't do any free favours
Invoice parents in advance
Be confident in what you do

Last but not least and the most important of all
Keep a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge or in my case a G&T

[smurfette]

Settled for a hot bath with my lush bathbombs and a TV marathon of Charmed and an early night.... could not face today if I had have drank the bottle of wine as I would not have stopped at one glass lol

I know the feeling lol! Hope today going smoother x

[greenfaerie]

Thanks for this guys, some great advice.

[tess1981]

I know the feeling lol! Hope today going smoother x

Not been as bad today but was a shaky start this morning with the fighting again but settled out later on thank heavens another relaxing evening planned this evening

[lollipop kid]

Set good base rules for the children and stick to them
Only agree to things/requests that you are happy about
Keep up with paperwork
Don't do any free favours
Invoice parents in advance
Be confident in what you do

Last but not least and the most important of all
Keep a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge or in my case a G&T

I misread the last bit of this - don't know why, but "a case of G&T" made perfect sense!



L

[mumofone]

Set good base rules for the children and stick to them Only agree to things/requests that you are happy about Keep up with paperwork Don't do any free favours Invoice parents in advance Be confident in what you do Last but not least and the most important of all Keep a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge or in my case a G&T

Haha thanks jcrackers :-)

[keohane1]

don't take a child on because you have nothing else, especially if you have doubts about the child as your first instinct is normally right! think wisely, does this child fit into our routine, will I have to rush back from outings, will it effect outings etc. I have done this more than once and made a mistake both times. wont do it a third as its not so easy to end contracts as it is to sign them x