I felt compelled to write in response to Steve Biddulph's article. I am a registered childminder in south Shropshire and thank heavens that my own children can come home to me every night. I would be in despair if I had to find other appropriate childcare. I'd have to find another me! Pretentious as that may sound, being a childminder isn't just about giving mum and dad a break, or a place to go while everyone is at work. It's about being a responsible human being to another as well as a role model. The actions we take toward one another every day must above all be of a kind and understanding nature. We must be tolerant and understanding of natural or unnatural behaviour. Educating children aged under three has to be approached in a way they understand, not a command. Explanations of the reasons why have to be clear and this all takes a great deal of time and patience. How does a member of staff in a busy nursery possibly take that sort of time?
I felt compelled to write in response to Steve Biddulph's article. I am a registered childminder in south Shropshire and thank heavens that my own children can come home to me every night. I would be in despair if I had to find other appropriate childcare. I'd have to find another me! Pretentious as that may sound, being a childminder isn't just about giving mum and dad a break, or a place to go while everyone is at work. It's about being a responsible human being to another as well as a role model.
The actions we take toward one another every day must above all be of a kind and understanding nature. We must be tolerant and understanding of natural or unnatural behaviour. Educating children aged under three has to be approached in a way they understand, not a command. Explanations of the reasons why have to be clear and this all takes a great deal of time and patience. How does a member of staff in a busy nursery possibly take that sort of time?
I know from first-hand experience that the simplest of messages can take a whole morning to finally have the right effect and understanding. But then the job satisfaction is immense!
Helen Shineton, Shropshire
