I mind for a friend, she is a very close friend, i've look after her child as a childminder twice now - there was a gap brought on by redundancy and then when he was eligible for free hours we started up again.
I was very clear business was business and friendship was friendship and that I would absolutely NOT take on the contract if I felt it would affect our friendship in anyway because the friendship was more important to me. We agreed groundrules right from the start.
Outside of those hours i've had her children over to play, stay for tea, my children have gone to her to play, stay over, tea etc - that part of the relationship is totally separate.
When I am communicating as a childminder I always use my business email, all other communication I use my personal email.
It really can work very well - but it comes from a basis of mutual respect for each other. If she is the kind of friend you can conduct a business relationship with then you should go for it - she clearly trusts you and see's you as an obvious choice.
I wouldn't worry about part time to be honest - my whole business is based on part time children and in 3 yrs I can count on my hand how many full time enquiries I have had.
triangle sandwiches are better than square ones...
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