Coping with longer days?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I need advice on how to not feel so drained by 11 hour work days. I had 10 hour days this last week and it was much bette but my vacation kiddo is coming back. I cannot shorten hours as there just aren't a lot of people looking for care around here period, so I just have to deal.

Tips?

[Heidi]

How old is said kiddo?

Can he watch TV or do something on the computer for the last 1/2 hour, or would that be uncool?

I have a 16 month old that is here an extra 1/2 hour or so 4 days a week. You wouldn't THINK it would make such a difference, but it does! :hug:

[Play Care]

Not sure how feasible it is, but maybe relaxing your program the last hour or so? When I've had kids here past a certain time, I would set up table activities and start cooking dinner. I also try to make it so that by the time my last child has been picked up - I am done - all the pick up, vacuuming, sweeping, etc. so that I can sit and have a few minutes of downtime without that hanging over my head.

[SilverSabre25]

carve out some "as alone as possible" time in the middle of the day. make dinners easier. Involve the kids more in getting work done before the daycare day is under. Read a book on your phone/tablet/actual book when you're outside. Preferably somethign light that doesn't take much in the way of brainpower.

[spud912]

Ugh, I feel ya. The last hour drags for me too! What I do (and maybe you can't), is I set up the children with something next to me and I go about doing something I need to do or enjoy (like cook dinner, read a book, etc.). It almost feels like the day has moved on and work is over (ok, not really, but it does get my mind off of entertaining a troop of kids momentarily....until an argument pursues ).

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Thanks, ladies. I will work on making the last hour more relaxing/enjoyable for ME instead of catering to kids.

[Heidi]

Thanks, ladies. I will work on making the last hour more relaxing/enjoyable for ME instead of catering to kids.

Absolutely!

How old is the kiddo?

My last one sometimes sits in a chair (high chair or booster) while I start dinner. I give her kitchen tools to "help" me.

[butterfly]

Not sure how feasible it is, but maybe relaxing your program the last hour or so? When I've had kids here past a certain time, I would set up table activities and start cooking dinner. I also try to make it so that by the time my last child has been picked up - I am done - all the pick up, vacuuming, sweeping, etc. so that I can sit and have a few minutes of downtime without that hanging over my head.

This is what I do too. When the last parent is leaving my daycare, I am right behind them. I sweep/vacuum, whatever, while the kids are here at the end of the day.

We also try to finish out the day a little less structured. Either outdoor play or table activities - sometimes even a movie...

:hug:

[TaylorTots]

Not sure how feasible it is, but maybe relaxing your program the last hour or so? When I've had kids here past a certain time, I would set up table activities and start cooking dinner. I also try to make it so that by the time my last child has been picked up - I am done - all the pick up, vacuuming, sweeping, etc. so that I can sit and have a few minutes of downtime without that hanging over my head.

Yep, I do this. I have the toddlers leave 4-4:15. At that time I set up table activities for the 2.5yo twins, 3yo DD, 5 yo DCB and 6 yo DS. It gives me the last 30-45 minutes of the day to clean and start planning dinner.