No Children of My Own Yet...

[MissKrys]

I've noticed that most people who have started home daycare have already had children of their own. Unfortunately, after trying for about 2 years, my hubby and I have yet to conceive. While I'm trying trying to focus on the positive and keep my head up as we continue to try to have a baby...I'd hate to think that not having children of my own would be a strike against me in the eyes of parents.

I'll be opening my daycare as soon as possible this coming year, so I'd like to hear some thoughts from an outside perspective. As a parent, would you view me as less qualified or naive? I've been around children all my life (many cousins!) and even now as my friends are having their children I'm a proud Auntie in their lives. I'm really excited, but this is also in the back of my head as a concern.

[coolconfidentme]

Most of my parents were unaware on my family status when they became clients. In time they learn all my children are grown & on there own. When I mentioned my youngest son was home from the military & he is 25, they were shocked that I had kids that old. They preserved me to be younger I guess.

[MissKrys]

Most of my parents were unaware on my family status when they became clients.

How funny, it didn't even occur to me to just not talk about it, . I guess I figured most parents would automatically ask.

[coolconfidentme]

How funny, it didn't even occur to me to just not talk about it, . I guess I figured most parents would automatically ask.

They are mostly concerned in what I have to offer them. Sad but true...

[Play Care]

In all honesty I think many DCP prefer the provider NOT have kids of their own at home. They worry that the provider will prefer their own child to theirs and that any issue will be settled in the provider child's favor. And I hate to say it, but if and when you do have a child, be prepared for the DCP's to leave.

I've had prospective DCP's ask me if I had plans to have more children because they know babies take up a lot of the DCP's time and they didn't want their child short changed...

[EchoMom]

First, I'm sorry for your trouble conceiving. It took me 18 months of trying and 3 cycles of clomid to conceive my DS now 2 years old. I've been on 6 cycles of Clomid trying for number two and no luck.

I don't think it would be a problem and to some a benefit actually. It's shocking how little the parents ask. They only think about what their child will be doing and no matter how many kids you care for they always default to thinking their child is your whole world.

Some parents would love that you don't have kids because then you're not prioritizing or having your own as your favorite. I think having no kids would be far better in their eyes than having four. And besides if you say you don't have Kids yet it sounds like you of course want kids but are getting prepared still it parents will connect the dots and know something must be creating delays.

[Maria2013]

I've noticed that most people who have started home daycare have already had children of their own. Unfortunately, after trying for about 2 years, my hubby and I have yet to conceive. While I'm trying trying to focus on the positive and keep my head up as we continue to try to have a baby...I'd hate to think that not having children of my own would be a strike against me in the eyes of parents.

I'll be opening my daycare as soon as possible this coming year, so I'd like to hear some thoughts from an outside perspective. As a parent, would you view me as less qualified or naive? I've been around children all my life (many cousins!) and even now as my friends are having their children I'm a proud Auntie in their lives. I'm really excited, but this is also in the back of my head as a concern.

I've been licensed for 8yrs but I started caring for children way before having my own, I see no difference in finding families...personally I don't think that one has to become a mother to know how to care for kids. If I came to your house for an interview I would look at how clean the place is and I would ask questions to get a feel of your personality, I wouldn't care if you have kids of your own.

good luck to you:hug:

[cheerfuldom]

I find parents prefer you not to have kids at home, especially first time parents. they want all your energy and love on their kids. I would say that it is a plus for you in reference to daycare interviews.

[DaycareMom]

I think it will really depend on the parents.

Some parents might think if you give them advice on how to discipline or help their child, that how could you possibly know or understand since you haven't had your own. I don't feel that way - but I have had families tell me that is why they didn't go with someone.

I also think there will be parents who will LOVE that you don't have your own children thinking it will get their children more attention.

I would focus on your home and your qualifications.

Good luck!

[ihop]

I don't have children and although parents do ask me typically during the interview, it has never been an issue. I make sure to have plenty of references available and leave it at that.

[GKJNIGMN]

I don't think it will be a problem for you finding families simply because you don't have children of your own.

The most a majority of my interviewers have asked is if I can accommodate their hours, how much I charge, and do I provide meals. Nobody has ever asked me about my own kids. I do tell them I have kids because I do drop off and pick ups.

There are definitely families that look at me like I have 2 heads when I tell them I have 3 of my own besides doing daycare. Usually it's parents with only 1 child

[jenboo]

My husband and I have not started a family yet and probably wont for another year (unless i get lucky). I opened my daycare in September and have not had any problems. I have any years of experience nannying and in child care centers. I also have a degree in child and family development. I get lots of questions from parents about how to parent haha.
I was a little worried at first but parents have never said anything about it. Im also only 23 so I thought they would view me as too young too. Nope, not an issue.

[MCC]

I am so sorry you are struggling to conceive. My husband are I are also going through this, though secondary, it is horrible.

I agree with all PPs that I do not think it will be a problem.

I will say though, that if you start to go do the road of infertility testing and treatment, it is extremely time consuming, and you are going to have to be prepared for that when running your daycare. I have had to close or find subs for many appointments, and the parents have asked what is going on. I just want to give you a heads up on that one.

[Great Beginnings]

I actually think more parents would think it was a benefit. I started doing daycare only because I couldn't find a home daycare near me that I felt comfortable leaving my son with. I would go to interviews and the providers children would be so poorly behaved. I thought if they can't control their own children how would they do with more than theirs at one time! Providers often complain their own children are their biggest trouble makers !

And now that I'm expecting myself I have had a parent leave because they don't think I will be able to accomodate their children. It's hard to find someone while pregnant because the prospective parents don't want to have to worry about starting someplace new and then finding backup care for maternity

[Maria2013]

And now that I'm expecting myself I have had a parent leave because they don't think I will be able to accomodate their children. It's hard to find someone while pregnant because the prospective parents don't want to have to worry about starting someplace new and then finding backup care for maternity

:hug: