Big Week ahead!

[natlou82]

Tomorrow is my first proper day in childminding, I've done a few settling in sessions, but I have 4 new starters this week all a mix of before and after school. I'm extremely excited but also a little scared! Just want everything to work out. Has anyone got any first week tips?

[Mouse]

How exciting!

My tips would be:

try to be as prepared as possible, but don't worry if things don't go to plan.

be firm with the children - you're there to look after them & keep them safe, not be their friend. I've seen so many new childminders afraid of upsetting the children that they let them get away with everything.

don't feel you have to plan activities for every minute the children are with you. It does them good to have to amuse themselves as well

get your wine cooling in the fridge ready for when they've all gone home

[MessybutHappy]

Be calm! Don't expect too much, just get to know the children, have simple things out like colouring, home made play dough, nothing that is too taxing for you or them, we're going to add some icing and strawberry laces to biscuits on Wednesday for St Georges day, really really simple and quick to do! Good luck!!

[natlou82]

Thanks this is great advice :-) I will definitely keep these in mind, especially when things aren't going to plan x

[MessybutHappy]

Thanks this is great advice :-) I will definitely keep these in mind, especially when things aren't going to plan x

Plans are what Ofsted like, what some of us have and what most of us enjoy changing on a minute by minute basis!!!! None of my children buy into my plans, the little rotters!!!

[natlou82]

Looking forward to figuring all this out lol :-D

[sing-low]

Plans are what Ofsted like, what some of us have and what most of us enjoy changing on a minute by minute basis!!!! None of my children buy into my plans, the little rotters!!!

Agree. I do lots of 'retrospective planning'!

[KatieFS]

Yes I would mimic what's been said with the motto - keep it simple. Plan very little.
You aim this week is to get to know the children and test out all processes.
I remember my first week. It was when we had really awful weather! Tropical rain every day for nursery run and school run.
Fun!! I expected way too much and wished I'd have just took each day as it came for a bit.

I've changed so much since then! Now much more realistic!

Good luck. Let us know how it goes! X

[natlou82]

Thank you Katie :-)

[natlou82]

Phew! First day done, really happy :-) was super fast! I did keep it simple and it went smoothly, roll on tomorrow, going to be a bit more hectic but looking forward to it.

[KatieFS]

Well done! Day one done and dusted! Xx

[natlou82]

Thanks Katie x

[MessybutHappy]

Well done and thanks for letting us know! keep up the good work!!

[Maza]

So how did day 2 go? x

[wee_elf]

hope you have had a great 2nd day!

[natlou82]

Still tidying lol! All the mindees were brilliant, we made swords and shields for St George's Day and they all joined in, so I was very pleased. They then played lovely together in the garden :-). Wasn't as smooth with my own DS though, he's 8 and has decided to turn from well behaved to wild. He's obviously excited to have new friends to play with, but he is not listening and not doing anything I tell him. I felt quite embarrassed with a parent tonight as he was refusing to stop being ridiculously loud and silly. I have had a firm chat with him now and he's having an early night! Roll on tomorrow :-)

[natlou82]

Day 3, amazing I'm actually a bit hyper! My DS was so much better behaved today. I feel like I'm starting to find my feet, and I've definitely made a good decision to have a career change :-D

[MessybutHappy]

Well done! You should blog this, you're enthusiasm and honesty shines through! Glad your ds toed the line, he was probably testing to see where he featured in the new pack!

[Maza]

There are soooo many threads on here about childminder's own children playing up, especially in front of other parents at pick up/drop off time! Yes, be firm with him but also tell him how proud of him you are so that jealousy doesn't creep in. It's a big adjustment for him to be sharing his house and his mum. You sound like you are doing a brilliant job! Well done. x

[karen2010]

My little girl was 8 when I started minding and took her a good few months to adjust x
I constantly tell her how much I love her but that this is Mummy's job now,and means I can spend so much more time with her.
Not easy to have to learn to share your mum though x
She has embarrassed me a few times previously in front of Mums, when she questions what I am talking to the Mums about !
However she is now wonderful with my mindees,but does retreat to her bedroom every so often for a bit of escape !
Well done sounds like you are having a great first week xxxxxx