Childminding Mums

NiamhB

Hi there,

Just wondering does anyone know any mums who are childminding other kids to make some money/keep their sanity!!! Would be really interested in hearing their experiences...

deisemum

I'm a childminder and have been childminding for the last 7 years. My younger boy was almost 3 years old when I started childminding.

I hadn't planned on becoming a childminder but just started looking after one child part-time for the cousin of another mum I knew. Within a few weeks I took on a baby girl then word spread and I gradually took on more children and then siblings came along.

Some families moved away or the children started playschool then school. At the moment I've lots of part-time children.

Mr. Presentable

deisemum wrote:

I've lots of part-time children.

OK, I'm sure you knew this was coming, but, what's a part time child?

deisemum

nipplenuts wrote:

OK, I'm sure you knew this was coming, but, what's a part time child?

lol occupational hazard losing my sanity, I meant part timers not having them full time.

SarahMc

Lots of Childminders start like you, they fall into it, they are at home minding their own children, and are asked by a friend/ neighbour to mind a child.

Mostly once you are very clear up front what expectations are, things work out brilliantly.


You are not alone, 37,000 Childminders in Ireland. Do you have any specific questions ?

BostonB

Are there insurance, liability issues?

deisemum

Childminding Ireland have a group insurance scheme that offers cover specific to Childminders

BostonB

deisemum wrote:

Childminding Ireland have a group insurance scheme that offers cover specific to Childminders

Wasn't aware of that, good to know.

Aard

Be aware that if you have children they may grow up to resent the fact that you minded other children, especially if they're around the same age. There's a lot of politics when dealing with your own children in front of others and vice versa. If things aren't handled tactfully, disaster could ensue.

Kildrought

I may be wrong and in which case I will apologise in advance if I am...but I believe Niamhb is a researcher for RTE and have reported her post on that basis.

foxinsocks

I looked after 2 other kids as well as my own for 2 years. The extra money came in useful, but I found it tied me down more than I would have liked. I think if you're going to do it, you need to have enough children minded for the money to be worth the fact that you really will be in a full time job, and unable to simply pop to the shops when you feel like it.

I contacted my insurance providers, and they informed me that if it was just 2 children not your own, then your own insurance would cover it. I never did any further research.

Fox_in_Socks