Kids in the summer - SA - keeping them busy

[momofboys]

I have typically NOT provided much summer care. I am lucky in that the one family I provide care for gets along great with my own kids (2 SA & 1 preschooler) & they only need me 2-3 variable days a week (mom is a nurse who works 12 hr shift although I don't have the kids that long - normally only 9 1/2 -10 hrs, dad's hours) so it allows me to do my own thing with my kids in the summer at least 2 days each week. I recently signed up a new family whose schedule while PT will be at least 2-3 consistent days a week. Between the two families I know there will be some overlapping days when I will have 7 in my care & will not be able to leave the house to go to the park/zoo, etc. So I am asking for advice on how not to lose my sanity on those days & also how you make 1 on 1 time with your own kids. I will miss not having my summers free but the family who has been with me for a long time will have both kids in school this fall so I am happy to have the new family in.

[AfterSchoolMom]

Honestly? My best advice is don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll end up stressed out/burnt out, and your summer will suffer because of it. Trust me, I've BTDT.

If you have to do it, though.... as much outside time as possible, water play, movie days when it rains, and messy crafts that can only be done outside. I'd also have a mandatory reading/rest time for at least 45 minutes so that you can take a break.

[momofboys]

Honestly? My best advice is don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll end up stressed out/burnt out, and your summer will suffer because of it. Trust me, I've BTDT.

If you have to do it, though.... as much outside time as possible, water play, movie days when it rains, and messy crafts that can only be done outside. I'd also have a mandatory reading/rest time for at least 45 minutes so that you can take a break.

I know - I am really at a crossroads. The family I just signed up will have a parent in nursing school (I seem to get a ton of calls from nurses! - I really want teacher's kids!!!!!!:. Family #2 has not started yet, will in March. One parent will begin classes in March & then will also take summer classes so it has not been determined how much they need me. I have not promised to watch their kids all summer - only that I would consider more hours than the two days I will have them in the spring. How upfront do/should I be about it. I don't really need the extra $$$ from 2 families who are PT in the summer. TBH I only need one family. But knowing that Family #1 will only be with us in the fall B & A school 2-3 days/week is enough for me to know I will need more income in the fall. Family #2 just told me yesterday that they picked me but it's hard to know what to tell them. I am thrilled but don't know how I feel about the summer. More accurately I don't know how to convey to them that I want their $$$ for the spring, winter & fall but not so much in the summer. Or I don't know about the summer until I see what they need. Can you tell I am confused?