I have been childminding for four years now and have seen a few children come and go off to do various things.
Two of my very first mindees are about to head off to school and it has been so lovely watching them grow and develop. They both started with me when they were under 1 year of age, one of them stayed with me until very recently when her mum gave birth to twins, and the other left when mum took a break from work to be at home with her children.
On Tuesday we went to a Soft Play centre as part of the last session of the toddler group we attend and these 2 little girls have such a special friendship, it is so touching. I hope this friendship continues throughout their school years.
Yesterday I said goodbye to a lad I have had for the past 2 years. It has not been an easy ride for various reasons but I am going to miss him as he starts a new journey in a new house and a new school. He almost had me in tears yesterday morning when he knocked on my door with 2 dozen roses and a beautiful vase to put them in. The card he gave me contained a glowing reference and I am so glad to hear that I have made a difference with him during the tough times that he has had.
Tomorrow I say goodbye to a little girl who started with me just after my wedding last September. She was 6 months old when she arrived and has been with us on a full-time basis Monday to Friday and is like part of the furniture. Her parents moved house in the New Year and she stayed with me for continuity. It was decided that the end of the school term would be the best time to say goodbye and for her to go to different care near where she lives. My own children are going to miss her immensely and I am expecting quite a few tears when it is time to say goodbye tomorrow.
I don’t think I have ever had such a rewarding job as the one I have now and making the move from where I was previously was definitely the best thing I have done.
But, the time has come for me to now wind down that business and concentrate on holiday and after school care so I can put more energy into the networking stuff that I do.
I know I shall find it hard to say no when someone rings up asking about care but the level of children that I will have during the day from September will be a lovely balance to be able to fit in everything else that I do without compromising on anything.
