Being a childminder is one of the most rewarding jobs there is — but it’s also one of the most demanding. You care for little people all day, hold space for big emotions, meet endless needs, follow regulations, run a business, and often still have your own family to care for when the day ends.
Some days feel joyful and calm. Other days feel loud, rushed and overwhelming before you’ve even had your first cup of tea.
When we talk about well-being, it’s easy to imagine long baths, yoga classes or quiet mornings — things that simply don’t fit into real childminding life. So let’s talk about well-being that actually works for busy childminders.
Well-Being Isn’t Another Task on Your To-Do List
One of the biggest myths about well-being is that it requires time you don’t have. In reality, well-being is often about reducing pressure, not adding to it.
Sometimes the most caring thing you can do for yourself is:
- Lower the bar slightly
- Stop trying to be “on” all the time
- Accept that good enough really is good enough
Children don’t need a perfect childminder. They need a calm, present, emotionally available one — and that starts with how you treat yourself.
An Unusual Tip: Create a “No Decision” Moment Every Day
Decision fatigue is real in childminding. What to plan, what to cook, how to respond, what to document — it never stops.
Try building in one no-decision moment every day.
It might be:
- The same lunch for you every working day
- The same end-of-day routine
- A set playlist you always put on during tidy-up
- The same calming drink at the same time
Removing just one daily decision gives your brain a chance to rest — and that mental rest is powerful.
Your Nervous System Needs Care Too
Childminders are often in a constant state of alert: listening, watching, responding, anticipating. Over time, this keeps your nervous system stuck in “on” mode.
You don’t need meditation apps or silence to reset it. Try:
- Taking one slow breath before opening the door to parents
- Softening your shoulders when you notice tension
- Putting your feet flat on the floor and feeling grounded for 10 seconds
These micro-moments tell your body that it’s safe to relax — even briefly.
Another Unusual but Valuable Tip: Let Children See Healthy Pauses
We often feel we must keep going for the children’s sake. But showing children healthy pauses is a gift, not a failure.
Saying things like:
- “I’m going to take a slow breath.”
- “Let’s all sit quietly for a moment.”
- “We’re going to move more slowly now.”
…teaches emotional regulation, patience and self-care — while also supporting your well-being.
You Are Allowed to Protect Your Energy
Well-being also means boundaries — and boundaries are not unkind.
It’s okay to:
- Limit how much you give outside your working hours
- Have a clear end-of-day switch-off routine
- Say no to extra commitments that drain you
- Rest without justifying it
Protecting your energy allows you to show up better, not less.
Finally, Be Kind to the Childminder Behind the Role
You are not just a provider, an educator or a business owner. You are a human being with limits, emotions and needs.
Some days you will feel patient, creative and calm. Other days you will feel tired, touched-out and overstimulated.
Both are normal.
Well-being isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about supporting yourself, gently and consistently, in a role that asks so much of you.
You already do an incredible job. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential.