Taking On More Than You Can Handle

[tenderhearts]

Has anyone does this before? I'm worried this is what I've done. I'm really starting to get concerned.
I have 7 daycare kids, so on each day because some are part time I have 5-6, all infant (that starts in a couple of weeks) and 4 2 yr olds a 3 yr old and a 4 yr old. The baby hasn't even started but this past couple of weeks with a couple of the 2 yr olds has been challenging in itself. I'm worried about when the baby starts. What if I find I can't do it? what do I do? the infant starting is a sibling of one of the 2 1/2 yr olds, he's been here since he was an infant so I wouldn't feel right telling them I can't do it, the most recent child I took on was a just turned 2 yr old who started a month ago. I don't want to let anyone go, I want this to work out, I really could use the money right now.
I guess Im looking for any advise on how to manage a group with this age group. The last 2 babies I had together the other children were older. I think today I'm just feeling anxious.
thanks for listening

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Sometimes, I feel like that. :: I have 11 kids but I do have help (sometimes).

Eventually, everything just becomes routine. I used to think 7 children was difficult until I adjusted and took on more. Now when we have 7 children it feels like NOBODY IS HERE!!! :: I love it.

I don't think I understand your age groupings
Infants - 1?
2-year-olds - 4?
3-year-olds - 1
4-year-old - 1

I would try it for a month or two. Try to set up a consistent routine and see how it all goes. If it's unbearable, then I would consider terming someone.

[tenderhearts]

Thank you, I do have a routine/schedule but it just seems lately that some of the younger children, 2 that I"ve had since babies have been increasingly difficult, just the constant battle of not sharing, bickering ect I just feel like what happens when all this is going on and I"m feeding the baby. I think I'm just feeling so overwhelmed right now, and when this happens it tends to effect what I'm doing now and I don't like that. I guess which I know I shouldn't do ahead of time until it all comes down to this but terming who? the most recent one added to the group? I would feel horrible doing that and don't know if I could. I've been thinking about getting an assistant but I'm not sure yet.

[cheerfuldom]

I would give the baby a week or two and see what happens. If its the two year olds that are causing trouble....plan ahead. Give each a specific activity that they are to be seated and doing during the entire bottle feeding. Dont let them get up and dont let them do the same activity. Be proactive and YOU direct them towards what they can do for that time period. I have had two kids go thru this....the minute I started taking care of a baby, they go nuts, so yes, I direct them towards what they are supposed to be doing and verbally tell them no if they try to get up and go somewhere else....because I know they cant handle the freedom that comes with the provider being busy. I have a 2 year old right now that is just coming out of this phase. She has been challenging....months of very directed activities with very little true "free play". She just cant handle it. When I direct her to stuff she likes and keep her focused, she is MUCH better behaved at all times.

[tenderhearts]

I do this at drop offs in the morning and lunch time because a couple of the kids do this too, but it's not necessarily something they like, I'll put them at the table with coloring sheets, or book center, or puzzle but that's a great idea, I'll try that. I'm sure it's just my nerves topped off with a frustrating day today. I've had 2 babies before and a 2 yr old and 3 and 4 yr olds, just not so many 2 yr olds with an infant. thanks again

[DaisyMamma]

Have you thought about hiring help for the busier time of the day?
its amazing what 3 hours of an extra pair of hands will do.

[Fruitloops1]

I notice with myself that once I get a new child the next two weeks is out of whack! I'm stressed and I think I took on too much. Then one day the routine just clicks. I have the opposite issue...I have a lot of babies and very few older kids. I have a long wait list of ALL babies. I need the bigger ones already!!

[Stacy214]

Same thing here!!! I had a new baby start today (8weeks old ugh) then I have 2 one yr olds a two yr old and a 3 yr old..... I haven't figured it all out either, I hate to say it but I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling freaked out ...but as someone above said, it does all end up working out...I do know that.happyface

My biggest problem is finding activities to keep the older ones focused , I'll look around