I Need An Experienced Provider's Opinion :)

[Blackcat31]

Lots of good advice. One more thing to contemplate is your reputation. I also live in a small town and terminating any one can be very tricky because word will spread. Is your town so small that terminating someone will hurt your reputation and make it difficult to find new clients.

If terming someone because you can't reasonably meet their needs is considered a bad mark to your reputation, I don't think I would be doing child care.

If I need to term because I am unable to provide the type of care and attention a baby needs, I always make sure the parents know it is because I can't meet the child's needs.

To me, that says PROFESSIONAL.

I would be really hard pressed to respect a provider who kept a baby that didn't have or couldn't have their needs met simply so the provider could avoid tarnishing their reputation or kept them just for the money.

Being a child care provider means doing what is best for the child first...before the money or reputation aspect.

[wdmmom]

I think this is a common problem when you don't get babies when they are between 6 weeks and 3 months. When they are young enough, you can get them on the routine you want them to be on. Taking on older babies becomes a bit more problematic. Especially when it comes to napping and/or having too many that are needy.

My suggestion would be to advertise for 12 months and up. Or, even 18 months and up. By 18 months, the child should be able to feed themselves, walk and do everything else older kids can do.

I think pinpointing the problem is where you need to start.

Why do you find it so difficult to watch 2 children under the age of 1? Is it the age, the kids, them together, etc? Can you make changes to the sleeping arrangements? (Music, dark room, keep them separate (or together if it works better), etc.

You said yourself that the one child has only been in your care for 2 weeks. I give all my kids a 1 month introductory period. Some kids take a bit longer to adapt.

If after another few weeks, I would discuss with the family his/her behavior at home, his/her sleep habits, etc. If after that, you've exhausted all options and things still aren't any better, I would look at terming.

Obviously it's entirely your decision what to do but for the sake of the child, I would give him/her a few more weeks to try to adjust.

[bunnyslippers]

Lots of good advice. One more thing to contemplate is your reputation. I also live in a small town and terminating any one can be very tricky because word will spread. Is your town so small that terminating someone will hurt your reputation and make it difficult to find new clients.

In my town, this would be an issue. Everyone talks, and it is all based on referral. If you are thinking of terming, then make sure you are communicating your concerns to the parents before terming. Come up with a plan of action with them. Cover all your bases. Make sure the parents know what you are observing, what you are doing to fix it, and what the possible outcome (terming) may be.

I agree with BC, and do think terming for the right reason is the professional thing to do if a child just isn't a good fit for your program.

I also know how those small town playground gossip sessions can go...kwim? You will not be there to explain why you needed to term another parent's sweet little baby. Your concerns probably won't be shared in those conversations, and it could impact word of mouth for your business in the beginning. It is a tough spot to be in - I know, was there! After my first year, however, I had a stellar reputation in my community and was able to be a little more selective in my kiddos.

Again, good luck! When first opening, there are so many issues to face...isolation, change in work environment, opening up your home, figuring out the balance, taking care of crying babies that aren't your own...it is exhausting. We can all testify to the fact that it DOES and WILL get easier.

[LeslieG]

Thank you everyone!! Your thoughts are very helpful. This profession can be very stressful, so it's so nice that I can talk to other providers who understand You guys are great!!