Age Range - How Much Difference Does It Make?

[Unregistered]

I'm a fairly new provider and am really struggling to get through the day. It's not at all what I envisioned my day looking like when I left my job. I have a group of four and I'm thinking the ages play a big part in my struggle, but wanted to get others insight. My group includes a four/almost five year old girl, my two year old daughter, a one year old boy and a three month old girl. We have very little time for "activities" as just getting through the basic needs of the younger three takes up our day. The oldest doesn't take naps most days and has a hard time playing by herself so I have no "downtime" during the day. This leaves me to do all of the prep/paperwork stuff in my after hours taking up even more of my family time and then I end up planning all of these activities (process art, dramatic play stuff, etc.) but because there is no prep time and the needs of the littles take up our day we don't even end up doing them. I really want to be able to interact with my daughter more during the day, but the needs of the littles prohibit that and the older girl and her can play together great at times and at other times not so well. Then I feel compelled to give more attention to the older one to keep her happy as they are a paying client and it's just not working for me Is a group closer in age easier? Any advice? Is this just new provider problems and everything will get easier? I have the option to go back to my job for a year, but I don't really want to do that, but there are days where I feel like I'd actually get more time with my daughter if I did that... We want another baby in about a year though so I really want to make this work but I want to be there and enjoy my days with my little one.

[Thriftylady]

It can be hard with ages that mixed. The non-napper should be given some quiet time activities and a place to stay put and do them. Legos, magnet toys and a cookie sheet, paper dolls?, on a rug or mat. Where she has to play quietly for naptime. That should help you some.

[TXhomedaycare]

It can be hard with ages that mixed. The non-napper should be given some quiet time activities and a place to stay put and do them. Legos, magnet toys and a cookie sheet, paper dolls?, on a rug or mat. Where she has to play quietly for naptime. That should help you some.

I agree with what she said. When I started last year I had my 3 month old son, 4 year old son, two 1 year old and a 2 year old and 3 year old. It is hard having mixed ages but I eventually got them on a schedule and we would do short activities while the little ones took a morning nap (I trained my 3 month old to put himself to sleep) and I would have lots of activities and music planed for them when the little ones were away. If I have a child that won't nap I give them a quiet activity or have them help me (old kids love to help). I now only take 18 months - 4 years old because it is an easier group to manage. I personally could only do all infants or all toddler/preschool. I would never do infants and 2-4 year old together again. It was too draining for me.

[laundrymom]

My thoughts are with you. I have noticed that anytime I have less than seven my day is crap. I like nine or ten daily. The day goes so smooth

[nothingwithoutjoy]

If I were you, I'd try to add another 4 year old or two to make your day easier. When the olders have someone to play with, they're much more self sufficient and you can focus more on the youngers. Also, the older-kid role models will be good for the little ones, and they can be helpers at times, too.

And when thinking about planning activities, I'd keep in mind that the majority of your group is infants/toddlers, so plan for them (which, in essence, is planning to make the most of those care-giving rituals, as at that age, that is the bulk of the curriculum!).

Trust that they learn through play. Give them opportunities for good rich play, and you don't need to lead activities.

Truly, it's easier when there are more of them.

[Controlled Chaos]

If I were you, I'd try to add another 4 year old or two to make your day easier. When the olders have someone to play with, they're much more self sufficient and you can focus more on the youngers. Also, the older-kid role models will be good for the little ones, and they can be helpers at times, too.

And when thinking about planning activities, I'd keep in mind that the majority of your group is infants/toddlers, so plan for them (which, in essence, is planning to make the most of those care-giving rituals, as at that age, that is the bulk of the curriculum!).

Trust that they learn through play. Give them opportunities for good rich play, and you don't need to lead activities.

Truly, it's easier when there are more of them.

I agree. For me, more is easier. Getting them all on a routine, having friends to play with, learning patience. I have dcb 5m, dd 18m, 2 2 yos, dcb 3y, 2 dcbs 4y and dd 5y. They keep each other busy less than 5 is more work

[Unregistered]

Wow, your responses are not what I was expecting, but they do make sense. I'll have to do some real consideration, I had one more child but termed them, in part due to thinking I couldn't keep up, but mainly her aggression/scheduling issues among other things. She was younger though, so maybe if I find preschoolers like you are suggesting.

I'm definitely going to look at my activity planning, that portion is really taking up a lot of time. I want my center to play based, but have some avtivities available. I think I just need to shift my focus in that department and not worry about so many activities, but quality ones that they can work on independently if needed.

Thank you all for your insight!

[mamamanda]

I would maybe put out a fun sensory bin or a couple table activities like lacing cards or stringing large beads, etc & let that be the extent of the activities for right now. Sensory bins can be Nice for the 1 year old & the 4 year old. Use large pastas or something they can't choke on & toss in a few tractors. Most kids love that. Also, you have to make nap time work for you. I have 2 non nappers, my own 3 y.o. Ds & a 4 y.o. They all lay down and rest 20-30 minutes & then I let those 2 get up for preschool. They do some sort of "seat work" while I get set up (5 min) then they alternate 20 minutes each on abcmouse.com while I work with the other one on individual learning goals. Mostly we play games with letters, numbers, & sight words. Then I offer them a busy bag that addresses something they are into or working on at the time. The rest of nap time they entertain themselves with a quiet activity. It takes some modeling, but they both caught the routine quickly. My point is to make the time work for you. If you want older kid activities, do them at nap. If you prefer some down time, put a blanket on the floor, tell dcg this I her rest area, & give her 1-2 activities & let her be. If she doesn't play quietly she can lay back down. That I a huge motivator at this age. Once you get into a good routine it will get easier.

[mamamanda]

One last thought: It helps me to purposefully carve out time for my own children. I felt like you did at first that I had little time to focus on my own. My Ds loves reading, so 2 or 3 times a day we have spontaneous story time. The others can join in or not, but Ds sits on my lap and we read. Also, when we sing songs together I usually incorporate one of his favorites. The other kids don't have to know that's why I picked it, but its something special that he knows & its a connection. Find little ways to connect with your little one each day. Make a secret"I love you" sign like a wink from across the room or a thumbs up during the day. (I stole that idea from another provider here.) those things really do help.

[Controlled Chaos]

I was thinking about you this morning.

What has helped me - Each morning I have an activity ready for the kids. Its a surprise everyday. Some days it is the rice bin, sometimes it is painting, sometimes it is blocks and animals already halfway to a zoo, sometimes it is play doh on half the table and construction paper and stickers on the other. This way I am giving them an activity and an inspiration to play right away. I feel like I am doing something for everyone, they have something they are excited about and engage with their friends.

I also look at it like this. I do not stay home with my kids. I can't afford to be a sahm. I run a business that enable me to spend a great deal of time with them. This helps cut my guilt about spending ALL my time with them. I do sit on the floor and read at least once a day. I might have an infant in my lap feeding him a bottle, while my 5 year old holds a book for me to read, but it is time together. More than I would get if I worked somewhere else.

Give yourself time to find your stride

[Unregistered]

Thank you all again for your ideas, I am working on incorporating them to try and have a smoother day, thanks again!!