Today Is The Day - Eek!

[Creek]

Today is the day that I tell my DCP that I am closing down my DC. I am moving too far for any of them to come with me. I am giving almost 7 weeks notice, when under my contract it says 4 weeks. I just feel so guilty, and I don't exactly know why. This is going to be such a good move for my family, and I'm happy in that regard. I guess I just worry about reactions from the parents. They know that we are looking to move, but unsure of where. We were unsure of where as well, but found the perfect house for us. It's in a great little town.

I have a termination form, but that seems to harsh for this situation. Any ideas on what else I could call it?

Originally, we were going to move Dec 19th, now it's Dec 21st. Is it crazy to take the kids until the 19th? Who knows how long they'll stay anyways. I just figure that if I keep them until the 19th it would be easier for them. *huge sigh* I feel so sick to my stomach.

It's a done deal, I guess I just need some uplifting words that it's ok.
Thanks for listening/reading ladies.

[countrymom]

where are you moving too. I live in a small town too.

[Soccermom]

If it is what is best for your family, you should try to focus on that.
The other families will be okay. They will find childcare elsewhere and the world will continue to turn as it always has
I wouldn't suggest taking kids up until the 19th though, that seems really stressful....trying to pack and prepare your own family for the move with Christmas just a few days away. (We moved 5 days before Christmas one year and I can't imagine having to do that while running a daycare from my home. That is why I am saying this.) I think 4 weeks notice is plenty.
If you advise them today and give them an entire month...you could close the first week of December if you wanted. A lot of people will likely continue to send their kids to you and switch to their new sitter in the new year...so chances are you will be packing with a house full.

**HUGS** It is hard to tell people you are closing. They will likely be upset but they will also be understanding as well.

Are you reopening in your new house?

[cheerfuldom]

please do yourself a favor and close sooner. 6 weeks is plenty of notice. I have moved while doing daycare (in my case, some kids followed) and allowing one weekend to get your house packed up is just asking for trouble.

[Creek]

Countrymom - We're moving to Carleton Place.

Soccermom - I know it's going to be disasterous trying to pack up my house and having a full house of DCK but I think staying open so close to the move is out of guilt. I don't know why I feel so guilty but I do. I have contemplated opening home care again in the new house, but financially I don't think I'll have to. We'll see.

Cheerfuldom - I am hoping that I will have all rooms packed up, and even some of the playroom by the 19th. Which I guess gives me 1 day to finish packing everything. It's really scary.

----

I think I'm going to be in a mess honestly. I will have to ask for help from my mom and mil to get everything packed up in time. It's just this guilt that is making me do it. Who knows if they will stay with me until the last day anyways.

So all the parents know. My newest family that I've only had since August cried. They said that they are happy for me, but sad to lose me. I cried too. Everyone else was good about it, except for one parent. They are my longest family, 3 1/2 years, 2 children. She was pretty short with me, and almost seemed pissed off. I was shocked and hurt honestly. I had hoped we had a better relationship than that. Nothing I can do now though. This is best for my family.