Family/Childcare

[SilverSabre25]

Not being able to be 100% HERE for my kids is hard for me and for them. I am not just caring for them, I have these three other kids around too that need my love and attention.

For my daughter, she hates that she doesn't get much special time with me anymore now that one of the dcks no longer naps. I can't get him to understand that he needs to relax and watch his movie and so he's constantly pushing and butting into what I'm trying to do with DD (give her the one-on-one attention she craves). I also wrestle with the feeling that maybe I shouldn't be trying to enforce the quiet time on him when DD doesn't have to obey it...it's a balance that I'm having a hard time striking right now. Should be easier if/when DD goes to kindy in a few weeks (waiting on results of an early entrance application).

Lack of freedom for me...can't just go to the store or the park or the zoo.

And finally...the mess and chaos created just by the sheer fact that there are five children in the house five days a week. The mess is magnified exponentially for each extra child around. :P

[spud912]

I came from a government job to child care, so excuse my responses ::::.

1. Not getting paid when I take time off
2. Feeling guilty for taking time off
3. Feeling guilty for having my back-up watch the kids so I can do something like run a quick errand or take myself to a doctor/dentist
4. Not getting paid when a parent uses their allotted vacation time (and it is the norm in my area for providers to give vacation time)
5. Less pay
6. No retirement fund (see above)
7. General lack of flexibility
8. Not being able to take a full maternity leave (as in 6-12 weeks) while still having a secure income when I return
9. Sudden loss in income (from a parent flaking or giving notice)
10. No short term disability

[Country Kids]

I came from a government job to child care, so excuse my responses ::::.

1. Not getting paid when I take time off
2. Feeling guilty for taking time off
3. Feeling guilty for having my back-up watch the kids so I can do something like run a quick errand or take myself to a doctor/dentist
4. Not getting paid when a parent uses their allotted vacation time (and it is the norm in my area for providers to give vacation time)
5. Less pay
6. No retirement fund (see above)
7. General lack of flexibility
8. Not being able to take a full maternity leave (as in 6-12 weeks) while still having a secure income when I return
9. Sudden loss in income (from a parent flaking or giving notice)
10. No short term disability

Add these to my list also please!

[pootmcgoot]

The more I think about it...The more I want to quit. Thank god I don't have any kids next month.

[Southernmama]

Well, your kids get you every day. Your kids get their parent at bed time, nap time, bath time, story time. Your kids get playmates and not a non-related lady (or man) who provides care for them when their parent works. They get healthy nutritious meals and snacks, fun activities and be comfortable in their own home whild happy, sick, sad or bored.

Some kids would give anything for that. You could choose a child care for your kids but instead YOU are providing what they need most....MOM! All day, every day!

Your children can come hug you and tell you they love you and vice versa at any time during the day because you are accessible to them.

Your kids get to be in their own home when not in school, they get to be near someone one they love dearly on a daily basis. They get a parent who is completely available for them and not missing one single day of being with you. They never have to worry that mom will come from her cubicle and be angry or stressed or tired from dealing with horrible co-workers and nasty bosses. Your kids get so much more than you probably realize so don't be so tough on yourself......

Like I posted to Dave......count your blessings, NOT your sorrows.

That is a good lesson to teach your kids too!

Thank you for this I know it wasn't posted to me but reading it really helped remind me why I do what I do. I can't even imagine putting my dd back in daycare and leaving her to work outside the home again.

[cheerfuldom]

Thank you for this I know it wasn't posted to me but reading it really helped remind me why I do what I do. I can't even imagine putting my dd back in daycare and leaving her to work outside the home again.

I know thats what keeps me going when I get burnt out. My oldest is going to preK this fall and she has never had to go to daycare. I always think that being at home with an active and involved mother is the best option for any child. Thats just my opinion and it may sound strange coming from someone that does daycare.

[dave4him]

Lack of adult conversations
Someone taller than four feet to laugh at my jokes
Back up!

[Sugar Magnolia]

Lack of adult conversations
Someone taller than four feet to laugh at my jokes
Back up!

I work with my husband, so I have the opposite problem. Sometimes we get...so.....sick.....of...each......other.

[spud912]

Despite it all, I would do this job over and over and over again. I think it is excellent for my kids that I am with them all day, I plan a curriculum specifically for them, and they have friends to play with and learn from.

With that being said, I am planning an exit strategy for when my youngest is preschool to school-aged. I need a job with more flexibility (so I can be more available to my school-aged children) and money (so I can supplement their lives with activities and trips that I could never afford now).

[Buxterboo]

1) not being able to come and go as I please.
2) USDA meal plans!! I HATE THEM!!! (but will lose my license if I decide to not participate)
3) Paperwork (gotta love the military)
4) Son has to "participate" like any other daycare kid. Meaning he cant go up stairs for nap, cant play outside with daddy unless we are all out there, and HAS to wake up WAAYYY too early (for him).

Im thinking about stopping soon actually. This has been way more of a headache then I counted on. I love the kids, but cant stand the administration side of it. The air force here is making it way harder on me then it really needs to be and I dont want the stress once my new baby comes in Oct