Men are urged to take up childminding
Katy Morton
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Attracting more men to childminding is the goal of a new campaign by the Northern Ireland Childminding Association (NICMA).
The organisation says that only two of its 2,500 members are men. A further 35 work alongside their childminding wives, but men still only account for 1.5 per cent of the total membership of registered childminders.
NICMA says its profile is also representative of the lack of male childminders as a whole in Northern Ireland.
Director Bridget Nodder said she thinks that men worry about being viewed with suspicion if they set up business in childminding. Some parents, too, have strong reservations about using a male childminder, she added.
'Parents should have no qualms about using male childminders, as all those who are registered are fully checked,' said Ms Nodder. 'After all, no one questions any longer the idea that fathers should play an active role in bringing up their children.
'Men who have the right personal qualities can make brilliant childminders and provide a valuable male role model in children's lives.'
She added that in the current economic climate, more men could consider childminding.
'Many men are losing their jobs at the moment. We hope that some of them will think about starting up a childminding business, if they believe they have what it takes.'
John Balance from Banbridge in County Down has been a registered childminder for the past seven years and currently looks after three children.
He said, 'Being a childminder is undoubtedly the most rewarding job I have ever done. It's been the most enriching experience to play a really active part in the development of the boys I now look after, and to watch them grow up.'
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