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Tatia
20-02-2008, 04:16 PM
I will be gleaning (stealing bwuhaha) as many ideas from this forum as possible but also thought I'd just ask about drop-in groups. I've started on up for childminders, parents/carers and children at our local children's centre on a Friday morning. I'm basically interested to know what you would find interesting in a group? What would make you go "wow, I want to go there again"? I've got lots of ideas knocking around but would love input. Would it be crafts, music and movement sessions, cooking, baby-friendly activities, just a chance to chat with others...I dunno...what would you rate as most important to you?

ajs
20-02-2008, 06:17 PM
hi tatia i have just welcomed you on your hello thread

i also help at out local cc and i introduced music and movement sessions
they are also going to organise sessions with baby massage and baby signing tutors
but for a weekly activity some craft not too messy they always have water and sand at ours duh the kids come home soaked and sandy lovely when they're going straight down for a sleep. and then just free play then at the end we have a singing time which finishes it off nicely
to be honest i tend to go to socialise as i am perfectly capable of playing with the kids at home and we do lots of craft activities at home too
so what i want is a chance to chat to other minders and relax while watching the kis at the same time of course

sarah707
20-02-2008, 06:34 PM
Hi again! Glad I led you here! :D

I want to go to a drop in because...

- the children get to do activities with toys I don't have at home
- somebody else clears up the mess (or at least it's a shared job)
- I get some quality time with people who understand
- summer outings are more fun in a group
- other people's children often make my lot shine
- there's usually somebody with knowledge
- it's nice if you can borrow toys or if there is a lending library for resources
- you can find out what everyone else is charging / doing and get lots of new ideas

Hope this helps! :D

Tatia
20-02-2008, 10:48 PM
Thanks! Just quickly (just came in from a support minders meeting and dincha know this forum was the first place I headed :rolleyes: ), I'm very excited about being linked to a children's centre not the least of which is we get to use their amazing resources as well as the toy library. Gonna be so cool!

I think what I most want to avoid is that all the childminders spend their time talking shop when in fact the group is open to parents/carers as well. Not to say you can't network but to be mindful that the "public" is listening as I know sometimes when childminders get together, they can...well, let's just say it wouldn't be good to forget there are parents in the room!:eek:

sarah707
21-02-2008, 08:02 AM
I think what I most want to avoid is that all the childminders spend their time talking shop when in fact the group is open to parents/carers as well. Not to say you can't network but to be mindful that the "public" is listening as I know sometimes when childminders get together, they can...well, let's just say it wouldn't be good to forget there are parents in the room!:eek:

So true...! Maybe they could organise a trip to the park together afterwards and have a good gossip there!?! :laughing: