FertilityZone

Hmm, Childminders usually care for children in their own home rather than yours and they may well care for other children at the same time so I don't think that is what you want. A nanny or a babysitter is probably closer to what you want (or you could get an au pair and excite your dh!). There are a number of website that give you the option of searching for nannies and babysitters in your area, such as this one http://www.childcare.co.uk/?gclid=CITPzMfZ3qMCFVf-2AodVFsJBA (link not endorsed by fz) so give it a google (not something we usually say on this website!)

Hi Mavis

A few year ago I worked for the Children's Information Service, they give info to parents on all aspects of childcare including contacts of local childminders, nannies, day nurseries etc.. including costs

might be worth googling and contacting your local one, we were based as part of the local authority (Education, Children & Young People's Dept.) Your local Council will hold all of this info and be able to send you details in the post or email them over to you, they also have advisors so you can chat and tell them exactly what you are looking for

hope that helps x

Childcare Info Service

xx


Please note, link not endorsed by fertility zone

Hi mavis
I found a nanny through a website called find a babysitter. You can specify qualifications, crb checks, references etc in your search criteria. I put on an ad and found a really well qualified and relatively cheap nanny.
as far as I am aware prices are usually per hour and are the same for all ages and number of children. So for twins it's a pretty good deal!

Evening Mavis! I think its more a nanny/au pair/babysitter you're after as a childminder cares for a number of children in his/her own home.

A friend of mine is just going through the process to get an au pair and it seems a good option financially - not sure how you find one but I could ask her if you want?

I did look at the nanny option briefly when going back to work after DD2 and I think Bry's right that twins won't be more expensive than siblings of different ages.

Good luck, would be interested to hear what option you go for!

x

Mavis, I'll ask my friend about the living arrangements for au pairs!

As for hectic and chaotic - I think it gets more so - I seem to be forever juggling the needs of my girls! I spend A LOT of time shuttling around between swimming, riding, tap, rainbows, tea parties, birthday parties etc etc and that's just for DD1 so I worry that DD2 isn't getting enough of me or my time - I reckon it'll only get more chaotic when DD2 gets old enough to want to do her own thing - probably football, ballet, karate, anything different to have me running in two directions! Plus they are at such different stages and have very different needs and wants and capabilities etc - its a bit crazy in our house a lot of the time. All good fun though - wouldn't change a thing!

x

Mavis when you say a parent will be in the background are you working from home or just looking for some help? I work from home and understand it is almost impossible so tend to work during the evenings when they are in bed, my children are 4 and 2 and and I have only just this month got to the stage where I can swap babysitting days so I get one day to work!

Hi Mavis.

I'm a teaching assistant but have more recently worked as a nanny for two different families. Going on interviews I've had, the children I would be looking after have been present. I think this is a good idea because you instantly get a feel for how your going to interact with the children. I think it helps me as I can see how the children play, interact with new faces, if they're clingy or extrovert. I think it helps a parent because you can see how your children react to the new face and how that person is with your children. There's a lot you can tell from first impressions like the nannies facial expressions, tone of voice if they come down to the child's level when talking/playing with them so the children don't feel intimidated. I always think its important that I remember the children's names because I think its something I would look for if I was looking for a nanny. I also think seeing them together you as a parent will get an idea of who you could trust in your home looking after your children. I understand your point exactly about a nanny assuming that twins will be similar in everyway and I agree that you need someone who can appreciate each child's uniqueness straight away. Good luck in your search. X

Hiya

good luck with the interviews. Think we just asked about how they would prioritise needs if both were screaming! Our nanny is working out brilliantly. she cooks, cleans and is lovely with the babies. She also fills in little books about their day with pics of them. ( completely her idea!)