MagicMum.com

A question for you, how soon is too soon to advertise a vacancy. It has been confirmed that the little one I mind will be going to a different school so I'd have the impossible situation of three school runs, etc. I don't know when exactly they will finish with me as there are other issues at play with her parents' work etc but it will be in the summer. I might look therefore at taking the summer off and starting from September, though would obviously be willing to change that if someone needed me sooner. But when should I start to advertise the vacancies? Is it too early to do so now? Should I wait a few months - til May time maybe?

I'm focusing on the practical so I don't have to deal with the emotional difficulty of saying goodbye to her and her brother after 4 years of minding them. I will face that only when I absolutely have to.

Thanks

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

aw lami, its so hard to finish with them isn't it
I've never advertised so I'm not sure how soon you should do it. If you're going to leave it till september I'd say may/june would be ok because it'd give people a few months notice.

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Hi snug, that's what I'm thinking. I'm sure mums on ML going back to work at end of summer won't even be thinking about childcare right now. it'll be a while before they are thinking about it.

Thanks a mill.

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

It depends on what you want. If it's two babies from different families, ie eldest child in each family, you'll be fine waiting till May. But if it's 2 children from one family, I would be advertising a.s.a.p. and just say you want someone from September. Why not? What have you got to lose? It just gives you more time to find the right fit for you.

I already know two people who've asked me about minding their children and both were asking about September. One is a teacher with two children who will be returning to work then after career break. The second is a mother who is due her second child shortly, she is taking the elder one out of creche from May to enjoy the summer and then the elder one is starting playschool in sept and she wants a minder than.

I also know one of the Mums I mind for has also clarified with me about the situation in Sept because there's been a change in her circumstances which will kick in at Sept.

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Our first angel always remembered, m/c 6th July 2004.





The most important things we give our children are roots and wings.

I'm with bookworm. Advertise immediately. I find that sometimes you find someone straight away and other time you are waiting months before something comes up. I also find that alot of parents particularly first time parents, start to look for a minder almost before the baby is born, I don't know why, maybe they are so panicked about leaving the baby they want to find the perfect person, or maybe they are just ultra organised

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I would second what Bookworm says and advertise asap. I have had parents come to me 6 months before they need a minder. The best of luck with it, it's so hard when children are moving on. They are like part of the family!

Thanks a million everyone! Looks like the majority is for advertising immediately. I'm on the lists with South Dublin County Childcare Committee and Childminding Ireland so I'll advertise on Rollercoaster and here and also let the school secretary know as she has approached me in the past with enquiries from parents re childminding. Hopefully then I'll have something in place.

I can't even think about them not being part of our daily lives. It's just going to be so very difficult to say goodbye, especially for my boys. DS1 knows that this is happening (he overheard DH and I discussing the possibility a few weeks back) and he's upset about it all. He'll be fine, but it will be hard on him too.

Thanks so much for all the advice. Wow, I can't believe this is all really happening.

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

Advertise now and say its a vacancy from September, I have been advertising a vacancy since November and had one phone call so I would say its never to early

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From a mum's perspective, now is a very good time as you will have mums on mat leave as well as those just getting confirmation of ji places which is another reason to change childcare.

THanks so much everyone. Adverts went up today so fingers crossed that the coming months bring some enquiries. I appreciate all the advice and suggestions.

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

good luck with it Lami

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Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!
Missing our Angels every day

Update!

My neighbour met me in our estate last week and wanted to know if I'd be interested in minding their three children. Their daughter goes to my son's school and they have two little boys as well. She met with me today and it's all confirmed and I start in September! I can't believe it! It was completely out of the blue as I know her kids go to creche but for various reasons they wanted to change and because they know me and have seen me with my current mindees they decided to ask and see would I be available! I'm thrilled to say the least. Better go and take down my ads now!!!

Anyway, only wanted to update as you were all so kind in giving your suggestions, advice and good wishes.

Thank you!

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

That is brilliant! Best of luck with your new mindees in September. Might make it a little easier parting with your current mindees knowing that you have other little ones who will need you in September.

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used to be Rozzie

Fantastic news Lami. I'm delighted for you. And there won't be too much settling time since the kids know you already so win win.

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Thanks Rozzie - I'm still not thinking of the 'goodbyes', I can't. But I at least can be distracted by the excitement of new mindees. And they're lovely kids! I know the oldest best, I don't see the 2 year old out that much and obviously babs is inside with Mom.

Alison, it is just the perfect solution, it really is. I live so close to the school it's a shame to drive but I always had to because of the second school run so now I'll be able to walk on fine mornings. It'll be great for all.

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

fantastic update Lami!!

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Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!
Missing our Angels every day

I never doubted for a moment that you'd be stuck. You sound like such a good childminder and Mum of course Enjoy those early morning walks and hope the new LO's settle in quickly.

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Thank you!!! I can't wait to do the walks - it'll be so good for them. What's to bet though that there will be an air of complaints at the idea - "it's too far!" "I'm too tired!, blah de blah de blah!!!! I'll hold on to my lovely dream of happy, laughing children skipping to school until reality bites me in the bum in September!!1

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate

That is great news Lami, the word must have got out that a good minder was available!
I'm sure the new children's Mam must be delighted too .

Yeah!!! That is fantastic news!!!

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Our first angel always remembered, m/c 6th July 2004.





The most important things we give our children are roots and wings.

Ah brilliant news Lami!

congrats! I don't mean to rain on your parade, but the fact that you live so close and you already know the mum makees it even more important to iron out terms and conditions to the smallest detail , you don't want ANY crossed wires. Get your holidays, child sickness childminder sickness. Provision of food nappies etc on paper. I'm sure you know all of this already. Wishing you all the best with the new mindees

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Janeo, thanks for watching out for me - I appreciate it. But I kept it all professional. Gave her the working agreement and child info records and everything. It's best for everyone to have it professional - doesn't mean we can't get on really well!

Lami

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Save the Earth, it's the only planet with Chocolate