How Do Some Of You Do It?

[Heidi]

You must be a lot younger than me, if only in attitude!

I normally have 4 children until 11 am, then 5 (for the most part during nap time). Now, I have 3 more in the mornings one day a week. Today was our first day, so instead of 4 I had 7.

The kids were great, no kidding, better than they are alone sometimes but I WANT A NAP!!!!

It was fun, and they all got along, but I am glad this is not every day....

[lil angels]

Oh the more you do it the more you get used to it. I am glad the days I only have seven. I often am at 9 or 10.

[snbauser]

Oh the more you do it the more you get used to it. I am glad the days I only have seven. I often am at 9 or 10.

ITA!! I used to feel crazy with 5. Now most days I have 12 (although I do have help) and people laugh when I tell them that I "only had 10" that day and it was easy. When you get used to the larger numbers and then have 1 or 2 out for the day it is amazing how much calmer it appears to you. Because I am so used to the 12, it is going to be lonely and quiet this summer because I will only have 5 or 6 at a atime.

[DCMom]

For me, it's routine, organization and planning. I've done this for a long time and have a storage room full of ideas

[dEHmom]

I had a few days where I was FULL last week (8 kids total), and friday no one came then monday and tuesday only 2 kids were here, wednesday 3 kids, and then today just 2 again. It's gunna be tough getting back into full swing after a weeks break.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I had 9 yesterday, and it was hectic (to me).

[Blackcat31]

:: I actually have 12 every day and I do not have help (unless you count Hubs, who comes in and helps me with lunch everyday).

I find the days where a few kids are off out sick are actually a lot harder than my full days.....less choices, I dunno.

I am like DCMom...routine and consistency make ALL the difference! I lack a bit on the planning part as I am more of a "let's see what the day brings us" kind of gal but I still have a pretty tight routine with very little varying from our regular activities and rules.

...and fwiw...I think I am pretty much the same age as you!

[itlw8]

definately planning the thinking ahead about what this group of kids could do.

Today we made freezer jam I thought I had it all figured out. big kids cut the tops off the strawberries and the 2's cut them into pieces.... Until 2 of the 2's ate all their strawberries.

oh well they had to wait until we stirred and we had 3 cups intead of 4 cups crushed berries. LOL


Always have a plan B and do not be afraid to stop an activity if it is not going well.

[cheerfuldom]

Its definitely easier as you go along. I struggles with 3 when I first started and now I feel okay with up to 7 but havent ventured for more due to licensing.

[Heidi]

i USED to have 7-8 every day! It was just a shock after all these years