Have you ever 'timed' collection?

I would love to know how long your average collection takes.

I had a bad experience last time I was minding with a lovely family who used to take ages to leave after collecting their child. I didn't nip it in the bud and it got too awkward to say anything and so put up with it for about three years. We were all determined that I would not fall into that trap again...

My current mum is a bit chatty :panic:

Tonight, DH and DD were telling me off when I finally closed the door on her. They irritated me a bit because there has to be a bit of chit chat sometimes...Last week DH was there at collection too as he was working on the front garden and he struck up a conversation with her and made it last longer than it should have been, so he is no angel when it comes to it, lol.

Today, DH said she was 12 minutes. I reckon it was more like 9 minutes. She did have some important info that she needed to let me know, but then she does flipping draw it out and make the child say thank you and blow me kisses about 65 times. She is so lovely, so I feel bad moaning about her.

Any idea how long your average collection takes?

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Originally Posted by Maza

I would love to know how long your average collection takes.

I had a bad experience last time I was minding with a lovely family who used to take ages to leave after collecting their child. I didn't nip it in the bud and it got too awkward to say anything and so put up with it for about three years. We were all determined that I would not fall into that trap again...

My current mum is a bit chatty :panic:

Tonight, DH and DD were telling me off when I finally closed the door on her. They irritated me a bit because there has to be a bit of chit chat sometimes...Last week DH was there at collection too as he was working on the front garden and he struck up a conversation with her and made it last longer than it should have been, so he is no angel when it comes to it, lol.

Today, DH said she was 12 minutes. I reckon it was more like 9 minutes. She did have some important info that she needed to let me know, but then she does flipping draw it out and make the child say thank you and blow me kisses about 65 times. She is so lovely, so I feel bad moaning about her.

Any idea how long your average collection takes?

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No idea! I have some that can be 'in & out' in moments, and others, that if i don't 'have to be somewhere' can take half an hour !!! I've got wise, and generally try to have children with coats & shoes on, and bags ready to put outside the door. In that i'm doing doorstep handovers, a wet/rainy pick up is great !!!! I always tell parents of little ones, that all info is in their diary, and i text/whatsapp as well. But it's those moments of inconsequential chat that turn a business relationship into something more, which is really, what i think you need for this job! And sometimes, depending on what time is pick up .... I might just need a few minutes of adult conversation !!!!

DH would do the same ... moan about how long i was chatting to parents, and then start chatting himself !!!!

But aren’t you finding it easier that parents however lovely they are don’t come in the house at the moment? It makes life so much easier for a quick chat on the doorstep then when they come in the house and start playing, or show no signs of leaving and you have things to do/ places to go etc

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Originally Posted by Dragonfly

But aren’t you finding it easier that parents however lovely they are don’t come in the house at the moment? It makes life so much easier for a quick chat on the doorstep then when they come in the house and start playing, or show no signs of leaving and you have things to do/ places to go etc

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Mine pretty much stayed in porch anyway unless child wanted to show them something!

I have a lovely family, 2 girls, that have been with me for 11years now. Dad is very quick at pick up, mum chats. But I like that. Sometimes it’s 5 mins, other times can be 20 but All others stay on doorstep and are gone in minutes. As already said, these chats build up relationships and give me insight into their home lives. I feel that I can give support when they need it and they give it back when I need it.

I have one mum at the moment who will stand chatting for ages at drop off and pick up. She is very proud of her son's achievements and likes to tell me about all the things he's been doing at home. She'll often get her phone out and show me photos of things they've been doing. Sometimes she'll bring her sister and niece when she picks her son up. I then have double the photos to look at as the sister is equally as proud of her daughter! I afraid I have to be blunt and tell her I need to get back to the other children. I don't think it occurs to her that I have others apart from her son!

Usually I don't mind having a chat at pick up and I think it does set us apart from a nursery setting where children are often just handed over at the end of the day. Unfortunately though, with some parents it's excessive and you're best to nip it in the bud sooner rather than later.

Hahaha, i hate pick ups!! I do realise though that for those that like a good old chat and to draw it out that this builds the relationship so i bite my tongue and try and go with it. But jeez I've had some that have been soooo drawn out. They seem to forget we've just had 8+ hours with their kid, we're not keen to see a whole other round of playing and chat!