Am I the Only One?

[fctjc1979]

I'm shocked at myself today. Things all seem to be working together today to frustrate and anger me and I'm surprised at how frustrated I'm getting. The kids aren't behaving, even my own two. All of the kids are being sneaky. I won't get into all of it, but my frustration level is very high today. I had a thought that I've never had before - "I hate kids". I've been frustrated before, but never to the point where I wonder if I hate kids. I love kids. But the thought just popped into my head. Maybe it's just because I'm so new to doing childcare, I don't know. Does this happen to anyone else, or should I get out of the childcare business? Luckily, I've been able to hide most of it from the kids. I'm still able to praise them for a job well done, laugh with them, etc. But inwardly, I'm steaming.

[originalkat]

I have been in childcare for 13 years and I have had those same kind of days. Nothing is wrong with you. When I get down about my choice of professions, I try to get inspired by reading books, websites, blogs about people with inspiring ideas for early childhood(especially in home environments) and find some new techniques or ideas to use with the kids.

[kitkat]

I think we've all been there! It happens to me even when it's just my own kids Hang in there...a piece of chocolate and a Diet Coke help me. Totally not the healthiest choice, but it works.

[fctjc1979]

Thanks for the support! This day is just getting worse. The daycare boy bit the dog again. I'm so glad tomorrow is his last day. Luckily, our dog is too lovey to do anything other than whimper and then run away. I don't know what I would do if she tried to bite back. Unfortunately, when the dog ran away, she knocked the baby over and made her slam her head into the wall. The baby has a huge knot on her head. I'm just hoping things go better after naps are done.

[Golden Rule]

I think we've all been there! It happens to me even when it's just my own kids Hang in there...a piece of chocolate and a Diet Coke help me. Totally not the healthiest choice, but it works.

Been there done that...!!! I drink one Mountain Dew and munch on trail mix, mid-afternoon....seems to help with "ugh!!!" days.

The kids have days like that, too.. I give them small ice cream "sundaes" on those days ; )

Hang in there...this, too, shall pass.

[mamajennleigh]

I was just going to say I'd give them a treat on those kinds of days, but Golden Rule beat me to it! I would never have thought of that, especially since on those kinds of days, being nice is the LAST thing on my mind, but another wiser, seasoned home daycare veteran offered me that advice and it works! It makes you feel better because you are offering grace where none may be deserved, and it makes them feel better because, well, who doesn't feel better after some ice cream ?!?

Try it, it'll at least help you feel better if YOU eat a sundae .

[fctjc1979]

Good idea. The kids have been begging me for weeks to make hotdogs but I haven't been because I don't think they're very healthy. I just told them that we're doing hotdogs and corn for lunch and they're already sitting at the table even though it's not done yet. The best part - my 10-year-old daughter volunteered to make lunch since it was simple to make.

[melskids]

i'd wait until they are all asleep and make myself a sundae....

hang in there! we all have days like that !

[kitkat]

The daycare boy bit the dog again.

Again? How many times has he bitten the dog? That kid is lucky the dog didn't bite back! Hopefully everyone takes a good nap and this are better when they get up. You deserve to eat out tonight or at least eat in with take out!

[fctjc1979]

This is the second time that he has bit the dog. The first time was several weeks ago and was one of the reasons that I told the parents to start looking for other care. I don't want the liability. I'm extremely lucky to have such a patient dog.

My husband is getting ready to make a hamburger for me. Doesn't sound like much but he makes great tasting burgers. That's almost as good as going out to eat.

[MN Mom]

Hang in there! I, too, have had those "I hate these children days" since starting daycare. I've never felt that way towards my own, but believe me..the dck's really push and push and push some days. I am just glad, at the end of the day, they are not mine...cause if they were and acted towards me the way they do their parents they'd be spanked and sent to bed with no supper!!

Maybe it's just the gray-dull week we've been having..but my 5yo dcb was screaming bloody murder at his father (yelling and cussing at him in Spanish) on his way to the door this morning. Today he commented (while I was eaves dropping) to my son about how yucky our food is, and how we never have "good snacks". His idea of a good snack is chocolate or some other type of candy. He told my son that the food I make is gross and his mom makes better stuff.

He is always trying to "demand" what he is given for lunch and snack. He's nosy. He tattles. He is sneaky. He lies. He talks NON STOP. I really dislike him, personally. We just don't mesh. However, I will tolerate him. He gets along well with my son, and they call each other best friends. My son looks forward to playing with him every week. I also adore his parents. They pay on time, always in cash, and try to compensate me in other ways by bringing milk, food, treats each week. His older and younger brother are precious too. Its just this "one" that drives really me BONKERS. Oh well...tomorrow is Friday...YAY! ::

[TGT09]

I'm shocked at myself today. Things all seem to be working together today to frustrate and anger me and I'm surprised at how frustrated I'm getting. The kids aren't behaving, even my own two. All of the kids are being sneaky. I won't get into all of it, but my frustration level is very high today. I had a thought that I've never had before - "I hate kids". I've been frustrated before, but never to the point where I wonder if I hate kids. I love kids. But the thought just popped into my head. Maybe it's just because I'm so new to doing childcare, I don't know. Does this happen to anyone else, or should I get out of the childcare business? Luckily, I've been able to hide most of it from the kids. I'm still able to praise them for a job well done, laugh with them, etc. But inwardly, I'm steaming.

I completely empathize with you. I have these days also. I feel bad for that "thought". I've known I've wanted kids since I was 9 (we can't conceive on our own and are adopting) but some days, I question what kind of a parent I could be. Will this business ruin me for my own children? I even feel less compassionate at times and I've always been a SUPER compassionate person.

I'm sorry you're having a bad day! It's almost Friday, I even thought it was Friday until a bit ago! :-)

[jen]

I've had those thoughts and worse! LOL! Hang in there!

[laundryduchess@yahoo.com]

its friday for me!!!! I get a paid day off!!

my facebook status reads,,......

FACEBOOK FRIENDS! Friday is National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day. YES it's real. Yes it's important. Tell whoever cares for your child THANK YOU. It is easy to get busy with life and forget to thank the people who care for your #1. The pay ****s, usually no benefits but still every day they are there with open arms and smiles. Ready to love your child. Remind them you appreciate them!

[Janet]

Ah, those days bite...

I think that we've all experienced those days! I keep a card in my wallet with the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and I just take that bad boy out and read it and that seems to help. I also remind myself that my feelings are never outside of myself and I do my best to find a way to find ways to lift my mood. I had a child that I really, really didn't like to around (I didn't like being around the sisters or parents either) and it got so bad that I had to cut them loose. It was a hit financially, but it helped me to keep my sanity. Good luck!