New parent coming tomorrow

[NicoleW]

For her 18 month old, to start on monday!

I'll then have three non walkers, a 9 month old, a 16 month old and this 18 month old! Going to put my daughter in a sling and use the double pushchair until I receive payment and then buy a triple pushchair.

I'm REALLY nervous, last time I saw a parent was July and he started in September lol.


Any ideas of what activities I can have set up already for that age range would be greatly appreciated.

[rosebud]

Just put your nicest toys out for that age. Don't try doing anything messy whilst they're here just explain the kinds of activities you usually do.

[Goatgirl]

Hi ,
How about play doh, something to make marks on - aquadraw or paper and crayons or magnetic drawing board, chalk board etc, and access to chunky things - dolly and bottle, cars and garage, play food pots and pans... building blocks and some interesting books?

Good luck, sounds like you're going to have your hands very full

best wishes,
Wendy

[angeldelight]

Just wanted to say good luck for today

Angel xx

[Maza]

Just a straight forward set of toys. He's never seen your toys before and so he will be very happy to just explore. I agree, nothing messy.

[NicoleW]

Didn't go very well I don't think.

Me and the child got on, we played, I talked to her and building blocks etc. When it was time to go she did throw herself down to the floor and cried her eyes out bless.

They were asking if I use the naughty step, but I said for an 18 month old I wouldn't use it in my setting and after attending several courses on behaviour management I believe I have other strategies in place which could prevent or deter unwanted behaviour, my main one being distraction and lots of praise when she's doing something good.

She has two more childminders to see today then she said she'll ring me tomorrow to either say yes or no, for the child to start on monday.

Not feeling very positive. Oh well.,

[rosebud]

Please don't feel bad, there is absolutely no point in trying to be something you're not. You did the right thing being honest (saying you wouldn't use a naughty step at this age). This is what you believe and if you lose the work because the parents don't agree with you then so be it. It just means you aren't the right minder for them, someone else will come along that appreciates your positive methods for managing behaviour and will be put off by another minders methods.
I lost a job once because I told a parent I couldn't leave her 9 month old to cry, (she said she was being spoilt at home because everyone kept picking her up) there was no point in pretending that I wouldn't pick the baby up when it cried because I would and it would only have led to disagreements later. (She used a nursery in the end)
I know its hard when you really need the work but you are who you are and you believe what you believe. Not every childminder is right for every family.

[The Juggler]

water play, with bubbles, with glitter, water painting outside, sandpit, and a toy kitchen and smallword on a low table for the toddlers

[Goatgirl]

HI ,
Never mind, at least you've done it once and you know its not because the child didn't respond to you .

This will happen again probably. I've had more luck with older children and friends of children I already mind/ who have seen me out with the children at school etc rather than 'cold callers' so to speak. Don't think I'm that good at selling myself - i get very nervous in the meetings - and just don't have as nice a setting/ as useable a garden/ time to do a level 3 qualification etc as other childminders have and who are not that far away.

The ones I have secured though, tend to recommend me to friends and to send along siblings when they arrive. It'll happen when the right family comes along. And you never know, this one might call back. It ain't over till its over

good luck and best wishes,
Wendy

[NicoleW]

That's exactly it!

I said to my partner, after leaving my place to see another childminder who is probably more established and therefore has a nicer garden with good garden toys, and lots more resources - parent will probably go there : (

I know what I need, resources wise and I know what I need doing to my garden but until I get income I can't do it!

[Goatgirl]

You might be pleasantly surprised; I think there are parents out there who are more concerned with how their child takes to the minder and the way you run things.

You can always emphasise outings and groups you might go on where there are lots of resources and chances to socialise; that you add to resources according to the individual interests and aptitudes of children as you get to know them.

seriously though, try not to think about it too much or you'll ruin your weekend with your imaginings I've actually got lots of resources now, but struggle not to stress about my shabby house, which I can't afford to sort out because I spend all spare money on more resources, and haven't the energy to anyway because I have to be available 50 plus hours a week to work and another 16 to study, haha.

Just try not to take it personally: different people take to different childminders and you'll instantly click with some but not others.

Good luck,
Wendy

[NicoleW]

Parent got back to me today and said no because they were nervous that my dog had come into the living room where the kids play.

I thanked her for the feedback and asked if I did things differently would she have been more comfortable, she said she'd have been a bit happier if the dogs were shut in the kitchen the entire time.