Burn Out

[PreciousFootsteps]

I am new to the home daycare system. I have been doing it since March 12th. I had my first child on April 18th and had to open my home daycare five days after since I didn't want to lose my families. We also couldn't afford for me to take time off. My husband is on three months of paternity leave so he is helping out with my daughter while I run the daycare. I just keep thinking that I am really not made out for this home daycare thing. I have my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education which it is hard to find a teaching job during this time so I love children and teaching them.

How do you prevent burn out from doing this line of work :confused:? I keep thinking at least once a week of applying for other jobs but then I look at my daughter and see that I am lucky that I can see her grow up and be by her the whole time. My hours are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM M-F. I don't have that many children. I have one 2 1/2 yo, two 3yo, and a 5 month old plus my daughter 7 weeks. Two of the DCK are cousins so they feel that they can wrestle, fight with each other all the time, even after I tell them that they can't do that at daycare.

Please help and give me some suggestions. I love doing this but sometimes feel like I made the wrong decision. I am planning on doing this until my daughter ( and future children) are in school then I am not going to do it any more.

Thanks for reading!

[Blackcat31]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

You are definitely NOT alone. Lots of providers feel burnt out now and then. It happens to new and seasoned providers.

Here are some threads about the topic https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php?tag=burnout

Someone (I think Crystal ?) here made a wonderful list of things to do that help maintain sanity and avoid burnout issues but I can't locate it right this sec....so I will search and post again when (if) I come across it. In the meantime, hang in there and try to focus on the positives

[bunnyslippers]

Welcome! I am in the same boat as you. I used to teach in a public school, and chose to open my child care so I can be home with my two boys while they are small. I am also planning on closing as soon as my boys start school (1-2 more years).

I think the best way to keep your sanity is to think about what you are doing for your own family. These first years are precious, and it is a gift to be able to spend it with your children.

Try to keep it in perspective. It is only for a few years, and it goes quickly. Try to find ways to keep the child care aspect out of your "off" hours. Tweek your schedule and your program to fit the needs of your family. Make sure you are making time for yourself when you can. Get out of the house when you can.

I found my first year to be the hardest. I cried ALL the time. Now I have more of a routine and have worked out the best way to make this work for my family. It does get easier with time.

Don't forget, you also just had a baby! That can wreak havoc on your emotions! Good luck - you can do this!

[Crystal]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Networking with other providers.....is there a child care association where you're located?

making sure to make time for myself, every day....working out, window shopping, kayaking, a bubble bath, laying out on the beach with a beer and my dogs, taking my dogs to the lake/park/etc., day trips on the weekend, camping......whatever strikes my fancy at the moment and gets me away from home/work

making sure I find time every day to at least talk to a friend or family member

once a month I meet up with friends for dinner and chit chat

school....I LOVE college and the group I am with ( a cohort that is together the whole two years for our Master's degree.....we have become VERY close) and learning new things is inspiring and encouraging.

writing......sometimes it helps to just write it all down, wad it up and throw it away.

music.....turn the music up LOUD and dance and sing while I clean!

Whatever it is, you have to find what is right for you. Think about the things you have enjoyed since childhood and start doing them again. PLAY!!!! PLAY!!!! PLAY!!!!

[cherryhill]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Networking with other providers.....is there a child care association where you're located?

making sure to make time for myself, every day....working out, window shopping, kayaking, a bubble bath, laying out on the beach with a beer and my dogs, taking my dogs to the lake/park/etc., day trips on the weekend, camping......whatever strikes my fancy at the moment and gets me away from home/work

making sure I find time every day to at least talk to a friend or family member

once a month I meet up with friends for dinner and chit chat

school....I LOVE college and the group I am with ( a cohort that is together the whole two years for our Master's degree.....we have become VERY close) and learning new things is inspiring and encouraging.

writing......sometimes it helps to just write it all down, wad it up and throw it away.

music.....turn the music up LOUD and dance and sing while I clean!

Whatever it is, you have to find what is right for you. Think about the things you have enjoyed since childhood and start doing them again. PLAY!!!! PLAY!!!! PLAY!!!!

Great Post!

[cheerfuldom]

My first thought is....do you have to have all these children to make ends meet? I think you are probably a wonderful person and provider but may have overwhelmed yourself with too much, too soon.

[PreciousFootsteps]

Thank you everyone! I need this many children to make ends meet. My husband wants me to take more but I told him no! I think he doesn't get it how much work goes in to this. He thinks it is easy and I get to stay home, which it is more than that. I think it is all so soon since my body is still adjusting to having a baby, going back to work, and all the emotions that I am going through.

Thanks for listening!