Young childminders

[Stanfield]

Hi,
I am 23 years of age, I live in a gourgous barn conversion in a well respected area, I have extensice gardens and am planning on having a fantastic play area in the field at the back of our home ( costing around 2,500 pounds, an investment for my children and my role as a childminder).
However, I am worried that people may feel I am too young, or donot have the experience of more mature childcarers...
I would love to hear from young childminders about there experiences starting out, and if there age has caused any problems?

Thanks.

[chubbymummy]

what do you class as young i still consider myself as young but i don't think others would!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LittleMissSparkles]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Not jealous of your barn conversion or the size of your garden one little bit xxx

[Blaze]

We have much younger members, so I wouldn't worry!
Blaze

[littletreasures]

I was just 22 when I started childminding. That was 18 years ago.

I don't think people worried about my age, they just wanted to know their children would be looked after properly.

Welcome to the forum

littletreasures

[Pipsqueak]

I think that if you have a good setting, the relevant qualifications and the confidence all of this comes across to the client - so no i don't think age matters. Some parents may prefer a younger minder with lots of fresh ideas and ideals others may prefer a minder with more experience etc.

We are lucky that we have a big garden and a great play area done by my hubby and that is a good selling point for me.

[Stanfield]

If you feel young, then I am referring to you!!!
I just worry because I have a 1 year old son, I suppose I would pefer someone who was mature with years of experience to look after him ( although everyone has to start somewhere, experience doesnt come overnight)

[miffy]

what do you class as young i still consider myself as young but i don't think others would!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You aren't taking this seriously Cathy - I can tell

miffy xx

[Lou]

I was 25 when i started minding.

I am now .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ....................30

Sorry it hurts to admit it lol

I am younger than all my "mums" and they dont bother at all, they are only interested in my experience, my setting, and most of all my love for their children x

[Rubybubbles]

I was 25 when i started minding.

I am now .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ....................30

Sorry it hurts to admit it lol

I am younger than all my "mums" and they dont bother at all, they are only interested in my experience, my setting, and most of all my love for their children x

same here, only I'm only 28 roomy

[Lou]

oohh i dont know f i can be roomies with someone young and beautiful

[Pipsqueak]

I am still young (I amstill young, I am.... I still think of myself as young, I am 36 and can still behave as a drunken / stroppy teenager quite well!
I asked my 10yr old recently am I embarresing - he reckons only when I am really trying (to embaress him), apparently I am considered quite cool amongst his friends! Result!

[chubbymummy]

You aren't taking this seriously Cathy - I can tell

miffy xx

i take everything on the forum with extreme seriousness....it's just that i have had 2 large glasses of wine

oh i'm only 35 years young

parents want their minders to be caring for their children so age is not a problem they will look at you as a person not the age you are

[Rubybubbles]

oohh i dont know f i can be roomies with someone young and beautiful

haha not sure on the beautiful thing!! haha young yes

[Lou]

haha not sure on the beautiful thing!! haha young yes

im sure you are beautiful too.

[miffy]

Whatever happened to "age is a state of mind"

I'm beginning to feel a right old fogey

miffy xx

[jaja]

I am 27 but started childminding when i was 22, its never been a problem with any of my parents at all. You are as young as you feel inside, and ive met people who are 50 who act like a teenager and a teenager who was as mature as a 50 year old!!! xxx

[brit_chick]

I was only 19 when i started & i was like you thinking that i might be to young but 'touch wood' there has never been problem with my age so i am sure you will be fine

[Stanfield]

Thanks for all the replies, I feel I have what it takes to do this, and currently supervise 20 under 4's everyday.
But it just helps to hear everyone's advice,
Thanks

[chelle]

Oh my god i feel old now! i turned the big 4 0 at christmas but i dont feel it still feel like i am in my 20s ( i wish)