So you have asked the potential childminder your questions and seem confident about your choice of care for your little one. Using a minder has enormous advantages but it is also good to be aware of the disadvantages as well. Below are some of the benefits and drawbacks I have experienced and also researched which could also help you make that final decision.
Advantages of Childminders
1. It is family oriented i.e. in a home setting, which will give your little one a sense of security.
2. Minders are parents themselves so would have experience with caring and dealing with children
3. They are relatively easy to find compared to nannies or au pairs depending on your area
4. They could be cheaper compared to day nurseries
5. Minders that are part of a local childminder group would have backup arrangement in case of illness or holidays
6. Minders can be flexible on their hours but you need to agree this upfront with them
7. As there are other children at the minder’s, your little one will likely get to interact with other children of older and younger ages to them. Hence improving their social skills
8. Apart from the toys and educational material the minders provides, they usually take children in their care to playgrounds and other local activities
9. Some minders work over the weekend and can be an option if you need care at the weekends
10. They can provide after school hours care so is a good option for mothers with older children who go to school as well
11. They can provide long term care for your little one up to school years, which gives a sense of continuity for you and your children
12. Minders are regulated and inspected so this gives some assurance to parents that their children are safe
Disadvantages of Childminders
1. For the most part of the week, your little one’s care, well-being and safety depend on this person so you have to be 100% confident about this option.
2. If your minder is not part of a local childminder group, there is no assurance of a backup for illness or holidays so check beforehand what the policy is on illness or holidays
3. Excellent minders might be fully booked; since they provide care to a small group of children hence you might have to settle for your second best or another alternative form of care.
4. Depending on where your minder lives you have to leave home extra early to drop off little one and pick up on time as well
5. Like in the case of day nurseries, your little one is more susceptible to viruses and sickness. They’ll have to stay at home for the period they are sick. However, remember they are building their immune system in the process
6. There might be a possibility that the minder favours and focuses on her child over yours. If you have an issue with this you could consider other child care options
Do Your Research
Do your research and determine if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you and your little one based on your circumstances.
Like I mentioned before, we wanted Bionic to be home till she turned one year however when she was nine months old we had to put her at a minder’s for about 2 months before her grandma visited to take care of her.
So even though it wasn’t our preference to get her cared for out of home we knew we were making the right decision for that period while waiting for grandma to come in from Nigeria.
So whatever your situation, the most important things are that you feel comfortable with the minder.
Involve your spouse, if you have one, in the decision making. Trust your instincts and know that you are making the best decision for your little one.
Super Working Mums, please share your experiences on using a childminder so we can learn from you. Thanks!
