WHY BE A CHILDMINDER

These words say it far better than I could ever begin to do.

I would just like to share this with you

whether you are a parent chosing a childminder

a new childminder

or 

even a more experienced childminder.

Below is a piece written by Jen a childminder from the Chichester area during a conversation on UK Childminders in October 2001, it also appears on the Leighton Buzzard Childminders web site and in 'Registered Childminding - The Secrets of Success.

Why on Earth would you want to be a Childminder?

It's the horrified looks from 'people' that get me, when I explain that none of the children with me are mine, that they are minded children, and that in fact I don't have any children of my own! They ask me in mock horror "why on earth" I would want to be a Childminder (and in my 'time off' I'm a Rainbow Guider!)

Now, Let me think - perhaps it's because I am paid to splash in puddles, crunch through autumn leaves, feed the ducks, gaze lovingly at tractors and other 'big machines', stay 'snug as a bug' at home all day when the weather is grotty, read 'green eggs and ham' whenever I choose to, make chocolate cornflake cakes and basically turn other normal, 'everyday' events into mini adventures! And, hey, perhaps it's because I enjoy doing all of the above!

The question we should ask these 'people' is 'why on earth' would I NOTwant to do my job! And 'why on earth' would I want to go to the same office everyday to do the same mundane tasks EVERYDAY. . .but you see, 'we' are not so closed minded as to ask them such personal questions!

I think it's called DIVERSITY isn't it?

Wouldn't the world be a boring place if we were all exactly the same and wanted the exactly the same thing!

Childminders are great. . . .

but 

that's just my opinion!

Sadly Jen died far too young at the age of 34 in October 2006 but her parents have given me permission to add this to my website and spread the word as they like the idea of Jen's love of life being 'out there'. Below is a description of Jen by a close friend of hers. I did not know this lady but wish I could have met her. She truely encompasses everything you would want in a person who cares for your child.

"I want to tell you all about Jen , but realise whatever I say it is not enough, not enough to do her justice- so, instead, here are a few brief words. Jen was funny, intelligent, loyal, caring and kind, she was also modest, reserved and yet exuberant all at the same time. Jen was a childminder, the best childminder I have ever had the privilege to meet; she was born to care for children. Jen had the ability to make every child feel special and every moment was an exciting adventure for the children in her care. She treated all children with the utmost respect, consulting them and including them in every aspect of their time with her. Jen was just about to become a foster parent; she was so looking forward to it and had so much to give. I just know she would have been wonderful. Jen was full of fun and her enthusiasm for life was infectious, which is probably why she had so many friends, it is not surprising that the people who count Jen as their friend are spread far & a field. She was special- and she was my best, best friend."

I love working with children and have been doing so since 1982 (if I say it quickly it doesn't seem so  long lol). I cannot ever imagine doing anything else. Waking up and knowing that in  an hour the children will be here and the house will be filled with laughing children makes my day and on a Sunday the house is far too quiet. But occasionally I have days when I doubt whether I am good enough to be a childminder, days when I think I might need to look for a different job - luckily those moments pass quickly. But it is Jen's words I turn to at moments like those; Jen's words that make me realise what a fantastic and brilliant job I have and I lucky I am to share my days with such special little people. 

So I would like to say Thank You Jen. x