What Is the Best Advice You've Gotten...?

[childcaremom]

from this board, or anywhere I guess, as it relates to your childcare business. I love reading and following threads to see the different advice offered. So much wisdom here. lovethis

For me, there are so many gems but the big ones lately:

1- Take the emotion out of it. I often react initially by emotion but if I stop and take a breath (and a day or two sometimes) I can reflect and see things more clearly.

2- "Let me think about that and I'll get back to you." I don't have to respond right away. Take some time to think things through before committing to a response. This is really important to me as I'm a people pleaser and want to make everyone happy. I am allowed to say no!

3- Take care of yourmyself, too. I deserve it. Sometimes the day is so busy (and evenings) that my needs can get forgotten. I have to remind myself to fill my cup, too.

[Blackcat31]

For me personally I think the best advice I've ever gotten and continue to follow each and every day is:

"You have the power to change anything that does not make you happy or work for you."

That is the beauty of self-employment.

Whether you are int the business of caring for kids and/or cleaning toilets...if you are self-employed YOU have the power.

[DaveA]

Didn't get this from the forum but the best business advice I've ever gotten is "Take advice from everywhere, but take it with a whole shaker full of salt."

[Annalee]

Set your rules, be non-negotiable and do not allow others to control/steal your happiness.....Happiness is a choice! Famous words of my dad, and oh how I wish he was here to put that strong arm around me and remind me of these words when I allow life to get in the way!

[NillaWafers]

The money isn't worth it if you're miserable.

Stick to your contract, treat every client as solely business.

[Play Care]

When my kids were little the best advice I received from a seasoned provider was to keep their toys, bedrooms and other things off limits to day care. This cut down on so many issues.
My kids were held to the same standard as the dck's when it came to their toys - if they didn't want to share them, the toys stayed put away until after day care.

Another was to make sure my own kids had opportunities to get a "break" from day care - even when I was working. So my kids did preschool and camps etc. These were opportunities NOT offered to dck. This allowed my kids to develop friendships outside the home/daycare.

[Josiegirl]

Marry rich. I should have listened.

[laundrymom]

Be you.

Meaning. It's ok not to be perfect. To make mistakes. Kids understand apologies. Kids forgive.

Be you.

Let them see you deliriously happy.
Let them see joy when you play.
Let them see wonder when you explore.
Let them feel love when you cuddle.
Let them hear stories, songs, and memories.
Let them taste your own childhood through recipes.
Let them be the crazy, inquisitive, moody, adorable little beings they are. And accept them. Good,.... And bad.

[Controlled Chaos]

1. Practice saying no to little inconsequential things. It will make saying no to important big things easier.

2. I second a PP - keep your own children's toys and space separate

3. I am replaceable = in a good way. When I don't have space, or need to term a family - they will be fine. They will make something else work.

[lovemydaycare0912]

If you can get past the parents, the rest is easy. The parents are the toughest part of the job.

[Thriftylady]

From here: "Go with your gut. Don't second guess yourself so much".

From my mother when I was considering if I should divorce my abusive Ex: "All you can do in life is make a decision. If you find you made the wrong one, then you will just have to make another one. Don't fret to much about making the wrong one, it may not always be easy, but you can fix it."

[Febby]

Marry rich. I should have listened.

I tried, but I didn't marry rich enough to have the giant, fancy pony farm I've always wanted.

Very early on in my career, I had a friend/co-worker tell me to "when in doubt, apply your horse training philosophy" since I used to train horses. The philosophy though, NOT the actual techniques. Pretty sure I'd get fired if I started carrying a riding crop around my classroom. The pillars of my horse training philosophy though are "as gentle as possible but as firm as necessary" and "set them up for success."