SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LOVE OR HATE THEM
Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  20
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 26
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    in the never never land fighting off fae
    Posts
    7,026
    Registered Childminder since
    july05
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    9

    Default

    I love them. I love the lazy days. I love the lack of routine and no school runs. I love eating ice cream at 930 at night because we decide to while watching ghost busters.
    I love love love the school holidays.

    I do however keep my numbers low yes we lose out financially but the quality time with my children you can't put a price on it. I also love the fact I can take my children to pound land for a drink and they think it's a major treat to drink at the park.
    When someone tells you nothing is impossible, tell them to go slam a revolving door

  2. Likes Maza, Dragonfly liked this post
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    8,359
    Registered Childminder since
    oct 02
    Latest Inspection Grade
    outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default

    :-) love them too (most of the time!) No rushing to or from school/activities.
    Lots of time to just play, do and be.

    I try to keep my numbers low so we can go out and about but even if we can't all fit in the car we have lots of fun in the woods and park.

    It was lovely this morning, one of my holiday only mindees arrived and was sooooo pleased to see us all and catch up on everyone's news.

    Have a lovely summer everyone x

  4. Likes Maza liked this post
  5. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    By the sea
    Posts
    9,334
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I don't look after school aged children, so there's not much difference for me in the holidays.

    My early starter is TTO, so I do get longer in bed through the holidays as I don't have to get up early for him. Having said that, he's already booked in for several days through the holidays, but I have convinced his parents it would be better if he started later than normal!

    Other than that, the los all go on holiday at some time, so I have fewer children here than normal. The only downside is that my most trying mindee comes for extra days through the hols. He's normally here for 1.5 days a week, but is up to 3 days now. Luckily he goes home early or my sanity would really suffer

  6. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    198
    Registered Childminder since
    Feb 15
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I can only fit 2 children in my car so not so great! Some days are lovely, but I have one child who comes 2 days a week that takes a lot of my time and attention - and I feel my kids miss out on those days. But I don't have any school aged kids apart from my own 5 year old so not much different to normal really!

  7. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    3,754
    Registered Childminder since
    Mar 10
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I love not having school runs and spending more time with DD, especially the days when I don't have mindees. What I do find challenging though is that all the playgroups close for Summer. There are plenty of other places that we go to during term time, but in the holidays they are far busier and often dominated by older children. My house is constantly messier too, but generally I do love the holidays.

  8. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    1,978
    Registered Childminder since
    Nov 13
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Love, love, love school holidays.....but then I am term time only!!!

    I am meeting up with a mindee family at the end of the week to walk them through the local RSPB area. But that won't be work, just enjoyment and I get to play with the children who I have to say do leave a hole when they are not here.....soon filled with my life though.

  9. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    In the middle
    Posts
    1,049
    Registered Childminder since
    Feb 06
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I feel I'm struggling this year. Not with the mindees. I've only got lo's as I don't accepted the schoolies as I was finding it hard to meet the needs of such a wide age range of children. And yes it is really nice not 'clock watching'.

    I'm struggling with my 2 older teenagers (young adults) legally able to drink and their socialising. They're up till 2-3am, dare I type sometimes 6am, then appear in my kitchen, scratching themselves wanting lunch at 3pm. I'm always sleeping with one eye open and am knackered and the holidays have only begun. This is the 18yr olds first summer of fun and boy, being the middle child, he is enjoying himself. Wish I could just step back and relax but I'm always worried. Maybe when it's no3's turn I'll be horizontal as I'll be so laid back as the other 2 have survived.

  10. Likes Maza, julie w liked this post
  11. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    1,573
    Registered Childminder since
    July 10
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I'm finding it quite hard this year. I also don't have much of a change as my ey children are all year round contracts and also they all tend to go away in term time so they don't have time off in holidays other than when I close for 2 weeks. But I do find it hard with my own in the holidays. My children are autistic and so we still have a routine in place but it's different and they struggle. I actually feel quite stressed already. :-(

  12. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Posts
    482
    Registered Childminder since
    1993
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Love love love them, I have same EYFS children but different older ones so it's lovely catching up with them. Long summer days, no school runs, allotment, garden, beach and days out and about. Love watching them use their creativity and imagination, making up games, building, planting and harvesting, caring for each other.

    Moody "Kevin" teenager, but even he seems to be enjoying time with us so enjoying this whilst it lasts.

  13. Likes FloraDora liked this post
  14. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Posts
    3,251
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    It seems to have gone very quiet on this forum...I don't know if that's because of the summer holidays or not!

  15. #11
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    3,754
    Registered Childminder since
    Mar 10
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mumofone View Post
    It seems to have gone very quiet on this forum...I don't know if that's because of the summer holidays or not!
    I know! We need some juicy gossip. We haven't had a '...gate' for a while have we? Someone must be up to something out there...

  16. Likes loocyloo, Kiddleywinks liked this post
  17. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    In a house
    Posts
    2,921
    Registered Childminder since
    July07
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Good
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Loved them.....then hated them (too many children)...cut down and now kinda like them again
    Time Out.. The perfect time for thinking about what you're going to destroy next.

  18. Likes Maza, BallyH liked this post
  19. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    1,978
    Registered Childminder since
    Nov 13
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mumofone View Post
    It seems to have gone very quiet on this forum...I don't know if that's because of the summer holidays or not!
    I am trying my best to not think education and therefore not succumb to the forum - failed this morning though, early morning browsing in the garden sunshine and I'm here!
    I also am completing a future learn course this month around children and technology so that has stimulated my thoughts back to how I use it too, on reflection not the best time to sign up...even though I do have the time to study around the subject, which is really interesting.
    My big dillema today is a visit to the opticians...and the dreaded choosing new frames. I always want to change my look, spend ages and sometimes two visits browsing and trying on...choose what I think is different for me, feel brave in that I have stepped out of my comfort zone only to find that nobody notices!! £350 for two pairs of completely unique glasses and I look the same to everyone else as usual....at this point I think I should have kept my old frames. On a research session on spectacle trends currently I have noticed that larger frames are trending now but I have a round face and they often just look silly, also dark frames, or dame Edna style which I am sure will make me look like my granny in the 50's. But since my sweet choice has become like hers too then the worry is that I am becoming her .....
    I would rather spend my morning playing with the LO's than buying new glasses.

  20. Likes Maza liked this post
  21. #14
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Posts
    3,754
    Registered Childminder since
    Mar 10
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Oh my word Floradora, that would be my living nightmare too. I wore glasses from the ages of 3-13 and I had the same style for the whole time. I HATED wearing glasses and thought that changing the style would draw even more attention to me/them. Nowadays I don't think wearing glasses is an issue for kids. I HATE shopping for sunglasses too - too many styles. I did get some really big frames with dark lenses - they feel great but I honestly look like an insect. I find it an impossible task.

    Good luck!

  22. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    In the middle
    Posts
    1,049
    Registered Childminder since
    Feb 06
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by FloraDora View Post
    I am trying my best to not think education and therefore not succumb to the forum - failed this morning though, early morning browsing in the garden sunshine and I'm here!
    I also am completing a future learn course this month around children and technology so that has stimulated my thoughts back to how I use it too, on reflection not the best time to sign up...even though I do have the time to study around the subject, which is really interesting.
    My big dillema today is a visit to the opticians...and the dreaded choosing new frames. I always want to change my look, spend ages and sometimes two visits browsing and trying on...choose what I think is different for me, feel brave in that I have stepped out of my comfort zone only to find that nobody notices!! £350 for two pairs of completely unique glasses and I look the same to everyone else as usual....at this point I think I should have kept my old frames. On a research session on spectacle trends currently I have noticed that larger frames are trending now but I have a round face and they often just look silly, also dark frames, or dame Edna style which I am sure will make me look like my granny in the 50's. But since my sweet choice has become like hers too then the worry is that I am becoming her .....
    I would rather spend my morning playing with the LO's than buying new glasses.
    I think I would be good at choosing glasses for other people but not myself. I also do not like it, but sunglasses are hard also as I can't always see my reflection clearly as it's dark!

  23. Likes Maza liked this post
  24. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    1,978
    Registered Childminder since
    Nov 13
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Update... Spent two hours there choosing.
    Went for, eventually, a snazzy pair that are similar to my current (safe) ones...but a bit more vibrant - the optician,DH, passing shoppers all liked them...but I think the first two wanted to speed up the process. The second pair are completely different, dark rimmed, bigger, in your face...I love them...everyone else agreed eagerly ...."buy them now!" I heard....so I did! DH and Optician were very enthusiastic! I will never know if their enthusiasm was fatigue of supporting and suggesting or genuine! But until they arrive in two weeks I am happy with my choice.
    Interestingly my third pair ( just reading, significant change so need super duper as I tend to read kindle and books and paper close...others are varifocals that cover reading normally and long distance together) are red - they were £20 all in ...I had rejected every suggestion of red for my everyday....but I only wanted to pay £15-20 for these as I would only be using them in bed really! ...and the red ones were the best of the bunch.....should I look at the red ones then now? I suggested .." No, the ones you've gone with are perfect" said DH with fear in his voice.
    I think DH hates shopping with me for glasses as much as I do! ( he chose his in 10minutes).
    I imagine the Optician is relaying this exasperating customer over a glass of something as I type!

    I am having a little something too as I found the day so exhausting... And I am on holiday!

  25. Likes Maza liked this post
  26. #17
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Posts
    1,978
    Registered Childminder since
    Nov 13
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BallyH View Post
    I think I would be good at choosing glasses for other people but not myself. I also do not like it, but sunglasses are hard also as I can't always see my reflection clearly as it's dark!
    I should have booked you to be my personal shopper!

  27. Likes BallyH liked this post
  28. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    at my computer, of course
    Posts
    4,986
    Registered Childminder since
    Nov 11
    Latest Inspection Grade
    Outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I both love and hate the holidays. Each day is different.

    On the whole, I end up working more hours for less money: the result of having a lot of TTO children, but a couple of schoolies need full day care. Plus I have a couple of mums going away without their partners (due to the fashion for overseas weddings), meaning dad has to collect much later than usual.

    Tbh the schoolies can be a right PITA. What is it with the over 5's these days? They have completely lost the ability to amuse themselves (I guess that's "iniatiate self-guided learning through play" in Professional-Speak) like we used to. Without being plugged into a screen, they tend to mope about demanding to be entertained or bought stuff, and are far more demanding than the wee ones. So I not only make less money, but also tend to spend much more on outings.

    What I do like is the days we have just a few lo's and none of the time pressures of school/pre-school runds, so we can relax more and go out. I still spend more and make less, but I resent it less with the littlies.

    the other thing that bugs me each year is parents deciding it's the silly season on fees. I'm lucky (you make your own luck ) to have clients who are better-behaved than most when it comes to paying, but they get all sorts of odd ideas in their heads come July/August. August is the month I make least money out of the whole year and, as I've said, probably spend more. In some ways I might be better just closing down for the summer, but I know I'm needed by some families. Yet it's the one time I can guarantee to hear, "oh, it won't matter if I pay you late this time, will it?" or "we have holiday expenses, so I thought I'd pay you more toward the end of the month". Dammit, we have living expenses, never mind holidays!

    I have one mum who's on TTO for 'wraparound' care with no fee for when her DS is at preschool, so she does very well out of me, as most CMs here would be charging her holiday retainers, time spent at the other setting, etc. I had DS for a few hours emergency care last week so she got a £12 bill for it, payment due today. Cheeky mare has messaged to say she's decided to carry it over to her next bill "because it's too small to bother with." Yes, in a sense, it is too small to bother with, but I'm very p155ed off by her attitude. Particularly as she is doing this Forever Living sales pyramid thing and she relies on lots of small payments. I think I might tell all her customers to hold off paying for their overpriced aloe vera cr4p until September "because it's too small to bother with" and see how she likes it.

    Just checked my bank to find I've received a total of £60 on time this month. That won't even cover next week's food costs, so I'm sorely tempted to 'phone round and tell some mums their child will be going hungry.

    Sorry, this has turned into a rant.

  29. #19
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Stoke-On-Trent
    Posts
    506
    Registered Childminder since
    Dec 00
    Latest Inspection Grade
    good
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    i USUALLY LOVE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS BUT THE REAL LACK of sunshine is really getting to me ( sorry caps on)
    Julie X X

  30. Likes loocyloo, FloraDora liked this post
  31. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    8,359
    Registered Childminder since
    oct 02
    Latest Inspection Grade
    outstanding
    Post Thanks / Like
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by julie w View Post
    i USUALLY LOVE THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS BUT THE REAL LACK of sunshine is really getting to me ( sorry caps on)
    last week was lovely, but today I just feel 'blurgh'.

    doesn't help that I think I'm coming down with DDs cold which knocked her for 6 over the weekend. I was only working this morning, and had lots of plans to get all my jobs done etc this afternoon, but I can't settle to anything and if I didn't have to take DD for a dance class in a couple of hours, I would have gone to bed! I still might for an hour!

    hope everyone else is feeling ok x

 

 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Quick Links and Advertisements

Important Information Links
Some Useful Quick Links
Advertisements

 

You can also find us on:
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LOVE OR HATE THEM SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LOVE OR HATE THEM SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LOVE OR HATE THEM

We use cookies to make this site as useful as possible. They are small text files placed in your browser to track usage of our site but they don’t tell us who you are.
By continuing to use this site you are consenting to cookies being placed on your computer. Find out more here: Cookies in Use

Childminding Help and the Childminding Forum are part of Childcare.co.uk