Letting My School Agers Go

[Play Care]

I think I am going to tell mom soon that this will be the last summer/school year that I can watch them. I've said before I am NOT a school aged provider and while the summer has gone well, it's clear they (especially the two older kids) are BORED. They are fine when we are going and doing, but with the little kids I can't do that every day.

The way things look now, if I tell them no for next summer, I'll have 3 dc kids, plus my 2. That means not having to pay an assistant - though I might have her come a day a week so I can clean, do paper work, etc. But not the 3-4 days she does now. I am trying to recruit teachers kids so I can have a lighter load in the summers.

In any event she is a neighbor and friend and I do worry that she won't be happy, but I feel bad for the boys who are BORED.


Any advice, words of encouragement appreciated

[cheerfuldom]

Just do what is right for you. If this neighbor cares so much about it, she should offer to take them into her own home.

[Heidi]

I think you just need to be honest with her. Something like "hey, you know I adore x and o, but just so you know, I am fazing out school age care altogether. Would you like me to scout around a bit for a good school age program for next summer, or do you think they might enjoy going to camp or something?"

[DaisyMamma]

Just do what is right for you. If this neighbor cares so much about it, she should offer to take them into her own home.

[itlw8]

she has a year to find summer camps that They will enjoy more.

[daycare]

I would just tell her....
I would wait until later to tell her this......

hey sue, I just wanted to give you a heads up that there are some changes taking place within the child care and it looks like I won't be having an assistant this summer. Because of the changes, I will not be able to provide care for the boys any longer. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you and really appreciate your understanding.

Thanks so much.....

[Play Care]

Just do what is right for you. If this neighbor cares so much about it, she should offer to take them into her own home.

I meant the client is also my neighbor, not that I have a neighbor who thinks I should keep them

[Play Care]

I think you just need to be honest with her. Something like "hey, you know I adore x and o, but just so you know, I am fazing out school age care altogether. Would you like me to scout around a bit for a good school age program for next summer, or do you think they might enjoy going to camp or something?"

The issue is that I am not completely phasing out school aged care - I plan on doing it on a limited basis (mostly teachers kids and only after school) and since the client is also my neighbor, she would possibly see me having school aged kids here...

That's why my thought has been to make it that the boys themselves have outgrown my care and that I want what's best for them, etc.

[countrymom]

I don't do school agers, well, I do have an 11 yr old (he's disabled and so awesome) and i have dd's bff here.

I would let her know that her kids are outgrowing your program, and that maybe a summer camp with kids their own age would be better and they would have alot more fun.

[Blackcat31]

The issue is that I am not completely phasing out school aged care - I plan on doing it on a limited basis (mostly teachers kids and only after school) and since the client is also my neighbor, she would possibly see me having school aged kids here...

That's why my thought has been to make it that the boys themselves have outgrown my care and that I want what's best for them, etc.

I agree. I think you should just be honest and tell her that you have been watching all summer and you have noticed that they are bored stiff and that you think it's best she find a program that is geared for SA kids.

I would let her know that you are really downsizing the few SA kids you take and the ones you will keep are the ones who are still comfy taking naps and doing preschool things.....

REALLY push the concept that her kids are bored and that you hate to see them so bored....etc.

I think she would understand.