One piece of advice.

**veritybirkettjo** · 05-01-2011, 02:39 PM

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone to help them on there way as a childminder, whether that be pre reg or post reg???? xx

**Polly2** · 05-01-2011, 03:31 PM

Always try to think of yourself as a childcare professional. That way you keep your business head on and it helps with all sorts of tricky situations like working for friends/family, dealing with money etc.

**Bridey** · 05-01-2011, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by Polly2

Always try to think of yourself as a childcare professional. That way you keep your business head on and it helps with all sorts of tricky situations like working for friends/family, dealing with money etc.

I couldn't say it better myself. Stay in control of the business side of things - playing with the kids is the fun reward

Pipsqueak · 05-01-2011, 05:47 PM

Be professional
Be strong

**Chimps Childminding** · 05-01-2011, 06:19 PM

Be flexible but not too soft otherwise you will get walked all over!!!

**sandy64** · 05-01-2011, 06:22 PM

always be proffesional. get paid in advance sorry thats 2 could go on but wont lol

**barbarella68** · 05-01-2011, 06:32 PM

Don't do it!

**sarah707** · 05-01-2011, 06:45 PM

Get money in advance.

Don't deal with important things by text... write or speak face to face.

Have watertight contracts and policies and procedures so there's less of a chance of things going wrong.

Don't give too much of yourself - it's the ones you bend over backwards and sideways for that tend to let you down.

Good luck

**mufftie** · 05-01-2011, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by sarah707

Don't give too much of yourself - it's the ones you bend over backwards and sideways for that tend to let you down.

Good luck

totally agree

**mrsbumbles** · 05-01-2011, 07:15 PM

Remember that as a childminder you are on show at all times, be a good role model and that all your interactions with the children in public are noticed by others, your reputation depends on this because word of mouth brings in the business

**Trouble** · 05-01-2011, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by sarah707

Get money in advance.

Don't deal with important things by text... write or speak face to face.

Have watertight contracts and policies and procedures so there's less of a chance of things going wrong.

Don't give too much of yourself - it's the ones you bend over backwards and sideways for that tend to let you down.

Good luck

all these

**Tatia** · 05-01-2011, 07:23 PM

Invest in Sarah's eBooks!!!!!

**RachelE** · 05-01-2011, 08:37 PM

- to be paid is a bonus

- to be paid on time is a miracle!

Everyday is a new day.

**guest4** · 05-01-2011, 08:40 PM

Enjoy what you do!!!!!!

onceinabluemoon · 05-01-2011, 08:44 PM

Agree with 'remember you are on show all the time' .

Always get paid in advance

**emmadines** · 06-01-2011, 03:01 PM

keep it a business relationship, avoid becoming "friends" with the parents as it can (although not all the time) make it hard to deal with issues and implementing charges amongst other poss things,

Always get paid in advance
.
from own experiances dont mind for friends as if dissagreements arise that could be the end of a friendship

**gegele** · 06-01-2011, 04:10 PM

i second the advice of investing in Sarah's E-books. you'll learn more, feel more professionnal for having the knowledge and avoid putting yourself in situation.

decide your boundaries, limits, things you are totally disagreing on doing and STICK TO IT.
start as you mean to carry on (or whatever the english saying is LOL)
ie: not starting before 7am. if you say nothing when they turn up at 6.50 before you know it they will drop the kids at 6.30 and so on.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

**Minstrel** · 07-01-2011, 07:37 PM

If a parent puts you on the spot and asks you to do something which you are really not sure about, tell them you need to think about it/ check the diary/ run it past your husband etc etc.

NB Husbands can be used many a time for excuses as to why you have to/can't do something...

EG 'No sorry parent, you cannot walk into my kitchen and flick the kettle on and ask me where the cups are, because my husband will burst into flames at your sheer cheek.'

**Donkey** · 07-01-2011, 07:45 PM

make sure your family is fully on board before you start and run any contracts which will take you outside of your agreed work times with aforementioned family

otherwise you will have a very nagging husband

all previous advice is very very good, especially the advice about buying sarahs books, very very good!

**The Juggler** · 07-01-2011, 10:48 PM

be prepared that it is hard work so that it won't be too much of shock. make some CM friends locally asap as they will be a crucial sounding board and support.

Good luck honx