Oh I'm in a pickle!
I have a little girl starting part time in September. I also have a friend who is interested in me minding her son but hasn't let me know yet. I received an enquiry from a lady who is looking for some flexible childcare. Husband works shifts and she's a driving instructor. I told her I'd need to know what days I'd be looking after her son but it's all so awkward. If I take her on, I could potentially lose out on a full timer as I have my own child as well. However, I don't actually have any clients at the moment and I'm getting desperate! I don't want to turn her down in the hope that my friend sends her son to me.
Sorry for going on :panic:

Think you need to speak to your friend and explain that you need some clarification of intention from her - this might involve taking a deposit to secure the place (treat your friend as you would any client). You can't turn work away on the hope that your friend will come through.

It's really difficult when you first start out, and you tend to take on things you might not normally. Ones that more experienced cm's are turning down.

We've all been there & done it!

You have to sit & work it out, and see if it will work for you. Like you said you don't want to take it on then lose out on a ft space. Then you don't want to be seen as a minder who gives notice as soon as something better comes along...

It's really difficult. Could you cope on the income she would provide?

Hope you sort it out. Think about it before you make a decision either way.

Kelly x

'tis a tricky one. personally I would take on the driving inspector. From experience working for friends just doesn't work. I looked after my best friends little boy for about a year. they then moved (only about 15 mins away) and I now never see her.

I wouldnt work for friends as its get far too difficult drawing the line between business and friendship.

Talk to your friend first, in a totally business sense and then do what suits you best, hours and income wise, it's hard at first and you have to toughen up because you're a business but it's really hard when you're a nice person!!!
Anyone wanting a place held should pay a deposit, people will mess you about!
personally if the hours suit I would want to start asap, and word will get round you're in business. Good luck :thumbsup:

I think you should speak to your friend first then work it out from there

Let us know what you decide to do

Be careful if working for a friend though it does not always work out

Angel xx

I would talk to your friend but take care as working for a friend does often not work. I would speak to the driving inst to see if there is a set amount of hours over a month you would be working and see if this is enough to get you started. Good luck

I'd also say speak to your friend first but if she can't come up with anything positive then I wouldn't turn work away.

I've worked for lots of my friends and mostly it's been OK but sometimes they do mess you around.

Good luck

miffy xx

Well, I sent my friend a text yesterday evening (didn't call as she was on holiday) and explained the situation. Got a call back within an hour saying she really didn't want to lose the space and confirmed she'll be giving notice at the nursery today! That means I will have her little boy for four full days per week, a little girl in September for three afternoons so I still have space for another part timer. I've just called the driving instructor to explain the situation as I didn't want her to have a wasted journey coming to see me today but she still wants to meet.
Whatever happens today, fingers crossed I have the outcome I was hoping for. I have taken on board all your comments about working for friends and my friend and I have had a discussion about this as we were both a little concerned. However, we've agreed to hold monthly review meetings and talk about any issues that arise straight away.
Thanks to everyone who gave advice :laughing:

Sounds like you have it sorted Emma. Perhaps the driving instructor could use your part time spaces and sort something out. Good Luck.

Well, I sent my friend a text yesterday evening (didn't call as she was on holiday) and explained the situation. Got a call back within an hour saying she really didn't want to lose the space and confirmed she'll be giving notice at the nursery today! That means I will have her little boy for four full days per week, a little girl in September for three afternoons so I still have space for another part timer. I've just called the driving instructor to explain the situation as I didn't want her to have a wasted journey coming to see me today but she still wants to meet.
Whatever happens today, fingers crossed I have the outcome I was hoping for. I have taken on board all your comments about working for friends and my friend and I have had a discussion about this as we were both a little concerned. However, we've agreed to hold monthly review meetings and talk about any issues that arise straight away.
Thanks to everyone who gave advice :laughing:

That is great Emma

Also good that you could be honest with your friend she sounds understanding so hopefully it will work out

Let us know what happens with the other parent

Good luck

Angel xx