When You Are Low On Kids?

[Maria2013]

I was full in August and due to financial issues with some of my dcps now have several openings. I have advertised like crazy the last couple months but have only had a couple calls with no follow through. What do you fo when you are slow to get yourself through it both financially and mentally. I am so stressed right now

I believe in the "Law of Attraction" ....positive thinking attracts positive outcome, so when I have an opening I just carry around a positive feeling that it's just a matter of time and I can choose to spend this waiting period in a constructive way, rather than waste it worrying
I focus on the pro (less kids = easier days for a while) and refuse to think of the loss of income...I know most would laugh, but it has worked for me

good luck:hug:

[JoseyJo]

I am still low and very worried about filling up as I haven't gotten any calls since first week of December and just got word that my last two full time kids are moving to a different state. I offer more than any provider in my area including hours. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have flyers up everywhere crags list, Facebook word of mouth but still no calls

Maybe focus on quality over quantity. If 24/6 isn't getting you clients (and they are out there to have) maybe scale back (ad-wise) by offering second shift care, or 3rd shift, in an ad. I try to look at the other CL ads in my area and see what they aren't offering that I think parents look for then I focus on that.

When I first started there were very few 2 provider home daycares and we were one so I focused on that a lot. Then later it was offering preschool curriculum so I focused on that, then field trips, then healthy homemade meals. I have always done all those things but I focused only on the ones that seemed like there was a "want" for it out in the community.

Something else I have noticed in the field is that the parents who want very extended hours, deals on childcare, and "special" for their child (no outside, no saying no, things that would change your program just for them) are worse than having NO clients. By focusing on the "wanted" aspects of what you offer at a FAIR price (not too high or low for your area) you have the best chance of filling up.

Oh! And I have also found that Dec is the WORST month of the year for calls. I get about 1 call a week year round when I am not advertising, 3-4 calls when I am. Any year I have been advertising in Dec I have never received more than a call a week and that is usually for an infant or someone needed "right now" (as in I have been kicked out of my last daycare) care.

Here's praying that Jan brings you lots of calls and great daycare parents!

[Crazy8]

I replied to this when you first posted but replying again that I am also still in the same spot and actually it got worse because one on maternity leave is cutting down to part time... haven't gotten a SINGLE call for daycare since October. I have a website, am on care.com, tried ads on craigslist (even for holiday shopping drop in care) and all I get are spam emails about taking a child for a month and they will wire me the money (yeah, ok.).

I am going to a rice and beans mentality right after the new year. I am going to see how close we can get to surviving on DH's salary alone. I don't know if I can do it but I am reading up on some of my old Dave Ramsey books/websites and really going to scale back on everything financially. I am really just hoping that after the new year people start looking for care.

[kelsey's kids]

I was full in August and due to financial issues with some of my dcps now have several openings. I have advertised like crazy the last couple months but have only had a couple calls with no follow through. What do you fo when you are slow to get yourself through it both financially and mentally. I am so stressed right now

I believe in the "Law of Attraction" ....positive thinking attracts positive outcome, so when I have an opening I just carry around a positive feeling that it's just a matter of time and I can choose to spend this waiting period in a constructive way, rather than waste it worrying
I focus on the pro (less kids = easier days for a while) and refuse to think of the loss of income...I know most would laugh, but it has worked for me

good luck:hug:

That is so awesome if only I can put that intro practice. Going to give it a try

[kelsey's kids]

I replied to this when you first posted but replying again that I am also still in the same spot and actually it got worse because one on maternity leave is cutting down to part time... haven't gotten a SINGLE call for daycare since October. I have a website, am on care.com, tried ads on craigslist (even for holiday shopping drop in care) and all I get are spam emails about taking a child for a month and they will wire me the money (yeah, ok.).

I am going to a rice and beans mentality right after the new year. I am going to see how close we can get to surviving on DH's salary alone. I don't know if I can do it but I am reading up on some of my old Dave Ramsey books/websites and really going to scale back on everything financially. I am really just hoping that after the new year people start looking for care.

Yea that is how it is here. I am beyond stressed because we have some big expenses coming up in The new year such as taxes and we have to have over head sprinklers in by August but can't find a plumber who will put them in our current house do to they type of calling it has so we have to move. Which means potentially two mortages until we sale. There is also absolutely no way to live off of dh because he is only bring in 800 a month. Just need some calls and all will be good

[Maria2013]

That is so awesome if only I can put that intro practice. Going to give it a try

I'm glad to hear that cause believe it or not, we really do manifest our thoughts ....so if you focus on the lack of/ loss/ worries , you automatically attract more of that into your life..

and yes I was a skeptic too, until I decided to test this concept out