A lot of new childminders or those in the pre reg state want to know how childminding may affect their own children, so here I’m going to hand the keyboard over to my 11 year old daughter, having a childminder as a mum is all she remembers since I begun when she was just 2 years old, everything you read from here on are all her own thoughts and words, hope you enjoy xx
Hi, I’m Caitlyn
I’m 11 years old and I have just left primary school, I’m about to start secondary school. Ever since I can remember my house has always been full of children but I don’t mind as I have made lots of friends that way that I still keep in touch with to this day.
Joining In:
During the holidays, I love to join in with the activities that my mum and dad put on for the other children. One of my favourite activities to do is Slime making.
I enjoy doing painting which sometimes turns into a competition. I have once painted a unicorn which is now on display on our craft room wall.
When we do baking its always very fun because sometimes I get to help out and be in charge and we also make lots and lots of different foods that sometimes fail but always taste really yummy!!
We often run weekly talent shows on the Fridays of each holiday week. All children that want to participate showcase their favourite talents, this can be singing, dancing, telling jokes, magic and even ventriloquist acts! All participants receive a prize at the end. I love to join in and think of something different to do each time.
Mum has to ensure that the children get plenty of outdoor play. So sometimes we run races and get to have a fun time running around outside. We have done obstical courses, water fights, silly races, egg and spoon races, treasure hunts and lots of other fun games.
Sometimes we go out places for example we have been to: Parks, Play areas, feeding the ducks, soft plays and Rotherham by the sea.
Teaching
I sometimes help my parents by teaching the children different things. Like for example I have often read books to the children and they have read to me.
I also enjoy doing the singing sessions by myself, singing nursery rhymes with the children.
I have run games outside like tig, crocodile swamp and sometimes I have even created my own games that younger children and older children enjoy to play.
Helping out:
On Thursdays in the holidays My mum and dad take the children to a playgroup and when we’re there I play with some of the little children and let them invent games that I will join in with. I also supervise children going in and out of the toilet and help my mum dish out the children’s breakfasts and clear away their pots afterwards.
I also enjoy helping out at home at lunch times by dishing out meals and feeding the babies. I also dish out the children’s desserts.
Sometimes in the mornings when the children are only just arriving, I ask them what they would like for their meals that day and note it down ready for my mum and dad.
Conclusion
My house is always busy and noisy but I wouldn’t want it any other way, I love knowing my mum and dad are always at home when I need them, through primary school they were always able to take me and pick me up and attend my shows and assemblies and most of the time we have lots of fun!
