This is a question that came up on social media recently: As the majority of child minders work in their own homes, having the children on their furniture comes with the territory.

When I was a registered child minder I was lucky enough to have a house large enough to turn my dining room into a playroom for the children. It was furnished with a small sofa that the children would sit on beside myself and sometimes took a nap on too ( most children taking a nap would be wearing a nappy.

We spent most of the day in the playroom using the kitchen for eating and creative play which required a table. We had a pine table in the kitchen that stood up to the bumps and scratches that the children gave it, Once my husband, who was a handy man rubbed the table top down to remove the marks that appeared over the years that I was child minding, but a heavy duty table covering would be useful.

I didn’t allow food or drink in the playroom we went into the kitchen for this( although I will admit that I broke the rules by having a hot drink in there; keeping it well out of the reach of the children).

On one occasion a parent brought her children and gave them each a chocolate biscuit to eat whilst in the playroom. I felt a little embarrassed at first when I pointed out that they would have to eat them in the kitchen.( but then I thought, this is my home and I want parents and children to respect that fact). After the mother had left her son asked me why he had to eat it in the kitchen because at home they ate in front of the television. I explained that when he was at home he should do what his parents allowed, but at my house he had to follow my rules, he seemed to accept this.

Our living room was generally out of bounds to the children that I was caring for: However one older child who stayed later than the toddlers would come and sit with my husband and I after the others had left.

At Christmas time we had a large real tree in the living room ( and a small artificial in the playroom). The children were permitted to go in one at a time to take a chocolate from the tree, this became a Christmas tradition in our house.

More traditions here

I wanted the children to feel at home while they were with me so I set these ground rules to make them feel welcome and to keep my home nice for myself and my family.

I also had a rule of taking off outdoor shoes when inside; this applied to family members including myself.

The children also knew that they were not allowed to take art materials out of the kitchen as I didn’t want scribbles on my walls and furniture.

I have heard of child minders who have had children wet themselves on a sofa and the dreaded nose snot wiped on soft furnishings.

Being a child minder is wonderful, but you won’t have a house that resembles a show home!

If you do allow the children on your sofa, I would suggest removing shoes and have a no jumping on sofa rule ( that’s why we have trampolines).

Leather chairs are the best as they are easily cleaned.

Of course I occasionally got baby sick on my carpet, but this was simply moped up. Young children are safest sat on the carpet to play.

Do you let the children in your care use your furniture? Please share experiences.

As always questions. comments and topic suggestions are welcome.

Until next time.

Karen

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