Not sure what advice to give to a friend and I'm worried about her welfare

Racheldevon

FBaby wrote: »

Indeed, but talking about ending her life is a step above needing antidepressants to function.

Absolutely - that's why I went on to say that her friend didn't appear to be managing her mental health right now & suggested sources of possible support

[Deleted User]

I had an 'illegal' childminder when my son was 2. I have to say, she was the best childminder my son ever had (I spent 3 days on the phone trying to find a childminder with no joy). I had disasters before this with registered childminders who were in it for the money, not because they liked children. She cared for my son really well (he was later diagnosed with ASD so he was a bit of a handlful), and to be honest, was a 'stand in mum' she taught him a lot. After a year, she did register but I moved away. I will never forget her, neither has my son even though he's now 17. Registration is good, but its not the be all and end all with safety and your child's well being.

However I do agree that if your friend is not feeling comfortable with caring for this child in addition to her own she shouldn't be doing it. Its a very demanding field of work, and the child's needs could at best be neglected. Its not a cause for panic, exactly, but if she's feeling depressed and hating the 'job' there is no way she can give the care the child deserves. I am speaking as someone who had a bad bout of depression when my second son was a toddler. I know I didn't care for him as well as I could have done although obviously things have improved since then enormously.