Breaking point**Starting point

[Josiegirl]

Thanks for all your responses everybody. I feel and sound like such a whiner some days. Today has gone better, except for an altercation between the sisters, which blew up pretty fast. but I kept my cool, did my best and talked them through it. I remember what it's like being a sister and also had 2 dds close to the same age, so I saw a lot of what they do/say to each other with my own. And wow, girls can be as brutal as boys.
I know what I should do is let the SA kids go before summer but I'm pretty sure I'd lose the 4 yo sister too. Plus I wouldn't feel right because there are 2 more SA girls that will be here this summer and they are great helpers, I've had them since the youngest was 18 months and she's now 11(oldest is 12). They LOVE cooking, cleaning, helping with all the kids but mainly the little ones. I have 0 problems with those 2 and am looking forward to seeing them so much. That's why I was hoping to make it through 1 more summer with everybody then cut the cord.
Plus, let's face it, that would be quite a bit of income to give up and I really need to get ahead a little bit for the fall expenses. I know I'm burned out but not being able to pay my bills wouldn't help my situation either.
I will be switching my yard around this summer, found some cute and different(simple YAY) pinterest ideas, have some Home Depot gift cards to spend on it. So hopefully, it will refresh my outlook, the kids' fun, and we'll stay outside as much as possible. Win Win right?

Thanks again for letting me come here to vent. Some days I just need it!

Oh and I'd be interested to hear more about the SOAR idea, that sounds really cool!

[Annalee]

Thanks for all your responses everybody. I feel and sound like such a whiner some days. Today has gone better, except for an altercation between the sisters, which blew up pretty fast. but I kept my cool, did my best and talked them through it. I remember what it's like being a sister and also had 2 dds close to the same age, so I saw a lot of what they do/say to each other with my own. And wow, girls can be as brutal as boys.
I know what I should do is let the SA kids go before summer but I'm pretty sure I'd lose the 4 yo sister too. Plus I wouldn't feel right because there are 2 more SA girls that will be here this summer and they are great helpers, I've had them since the youngest was 18 months and she's now 11(oldest is 12). They LOVE cooking, cleaning, helping with all the kids but mainly the little ones. I have 0 problems with those 2 and am looking forward to seeing them so much. That's why I was hoping to make it through 1 more summer with everybody then cut the cord.
Plus, let's face it, that would be quite a bit of income to give up and I really need to get ahead a little bit for the fall expenses. I know I'm burned out but not being able to pay my bills wouldn't help my situation either.
I will be switching my yard around this summer, found some cute and different(simple YAY) pinterest ideas, have some Home Depot gift cards to spend on it. So hopefully, it will refresh my outlook, the kids' fun, and we'll stay outside as much as possible. Win Win right?

Thanks again for letting me come here to vent. Some days I just need it!

Oh and I'd be interested to hear more about the SOAR idea, that sounds really cool!

When my days are where NO ONE gets along, we have what i call STRUCTURED FREE PLAY.. I set up 5 tables and rotate kids in and out using a timer. I choose who goes where and plays with what....Needless to say, I don't have to do this much anymore. The kids like making their own choices. Choices/consequences

[Mom o Col]

I totally understand! I've been at this for twelve years and often feel like quitting but I need the income and don't think I could find a "real" job (don't take that the wrong way!). I agree with you about the mixed ages being stressful. I'm working towards no longer taking infants or school age kids any longer, just pre schoolers ages one to four years. Just remember after spring break at least you'll be back to a normal kind of crazy. :hug:

[Unregistered]

That's really rotten behavior from the school-agers! Don't put up with it! I tell you, I'd crack!

I haven't had SA this time around doing child care, but years ago I had lots and they were always so good! And I never heard, "I'm bored"-ever. Granted I could take 6 preschoolers and 5 school age, so they had lots of playmates.

I couldn't stand it for a second. Ugh! Take care of yourself. Do some small things to pamper yourself. Get rid of those SA or set up expectations daily and follow through. Get rid if the kid that is twisting arms though!

[melilley]

:hug:
I've been there. Sometimes I love doing this, other days I don't. I think a part of it is the weather (plus for me I'm preggo so my hormones probably don't help...) I don't know where you live, but it's been so cold here and miserable and I was miserable most of the time. Well, last week, it was so nice out. I had the best week that I have had in a long time!

I sldo find that when certain kids are here, together, my days are usually the worst. I have 2-3.5 year old boys and my ds who is 2.5, along with 3-1/1.5 year olds. When all 3 boys are here, it's usually miserable, if it's just 2, it's usually ok. I think you just have to find what works for you. I would never take SA children, my program isn't geared for them and they would be bored out of their minds and I would probably go insane. I prefer 3 (actually 2 and under, but regs prevent me from having more than 4 under 2.5) and under and am happiest when it's that way.

I hope that your days get better. Hopefully with nicer weather things will change.