childminding: is it a gender specific job?

[nikki73]

A relative would like to become a childminder but he's worried his gender would prevent him from finding any work. It got me thinking and there is certainly a fair number of dads who work flexibly to look after their kids in the neighbourhood but I don't think I've ever met a male childminder. Do you know of any and do you think there's a "market" out there for male minders. I am hoping your answers will give me ammunition to convince him it's a career open to all.

thanks

[echo]

our childminder is male- so there are def male ones out there....

[ryedalema]

There are two male childminders at our nursery - Jesus (who cooks the meals and teaches them about gardening too) and Christopher. At first I was a bit nervous (especially around nappy changing) but my daughters absolutely love them. Our eldest follows Jesus around and loves his Friday cooking lessons.

I'm a total convert and feel it's really good for the girls to have such caring male role models (as well as my husband, dad and brother) to learn from.

I'm sure they wouldn't mind talking to your relative - pm me if you want me to ask them.

xx

[Pickle]

I know of a few male childminders and nannies in the area, so they do exist.

[nikki73]

Thanks for your messages. Will pass them on and might get back to you Ryedalema.

[Sanne Panne]

I know a married couple who do it together - it offers great fun and balance for the kids. Not exactly the answer you were looking for I guess but just wanted to add that men can be great childminders.

[njc97]

Nikki, there's a male childminder here on Telegraph hill:

http://www.motheratwork.co.uk/childcare/?article=247

I think there's an article about him from grauniad as well, but couldn't find it with a quick google. When we looked to find somewhere for our son he was fully booked so there's clearly a market....

[legalbeagle]

Our neighbour had a manny who also babysat for pretty much the entire street, and he was brilliant!