How Long Have You Had Your Daycare?

[Boymom]

Just out of curiosity, how long have all of you had a daycare? Also, how have you done this so long without pulling your hair out?! I really want to do this until my youngest goes to school, but that's 4 years from now. I don't think I can do it LOL!

[lovemydaycare0912]

Just out of curiosity, how long have all of you had a daycare? Also, how have you done this so long without pulling your hair out?! I really want to do this until my youngest goes to school, but that's 4 years from now. I don't think I can do it LOL!

I've been open about 14 months now. Having a backbone helps a ton. I'm still growing mine.

[Boymom]

I've been open about 14 months now. Having a backbone helps a ton. I'm still growing mine.

That's my problem right there. I have ALWAYS been a people pleaser and it's really affecting my daycare. Since I didn't have a backbone in the beginning, I'm paying for it now! I need to stand my ground before I get totally burned out.

[heyhun77]

I started in 2005 so I am starting my 11th year next month. I stay sane by having clear policies and enforcing them, being as efficient as possible with tasks that need to be done throughout the day so I can be done when the day is done and not taking on child related roles outside of childcare hours (like church nursery, weekend babysitting, ect). I am in the middle of expanding into a larger capacity separate space which will help because I won't be living in a childcare anymore. Plus I'll have staff to help with all the stuff that needs to be done on top of caring for children.

[KiwiKids]

11 years this past winter for me. The first couple of years were the hardest for me because I am also a people pleaser by nature, but I grew a back bone and will speak up when needed now. I also learned how to interview effectively to help me with getting families who are likely to fit well all around. I've only had to terminate care for two families but both left on good terms thankfully. One actually still serves as a reference for me. I also narrowed care to the ages I interact with the best and was so much happier after that change.

[MyAngels]

I've had my home daycare for 23 years. I've done well for a few reasons. I've always remembered to put myself and my own family first. I never combine my business with my personal life. I limit my hours to 7-5 - I don't tolerate lateness for any reason. I would not tolerate disrespect from any daycare family, for any reason. Though I will say I've been fortunate in that the families I've had through the years have been gracious and respectful for the most part.

[Controlled Chaos]

2 years legally unlicensed and and 2 years licensed. The last year has been great because I have gotten better at sticking up for myself. I now see daycare families as replaceable but my family is not. I work 7-5, make pretty good money and set realistic expectations regarding daycare activities. I will do this at least 4 more years (my baby will be in kinder then) but could go forever

[permanentvacation]

I've owned my own daycare for 22 1/2 years and before that, worked as a substitute and then co-provider with my sister at her daycare for 4 years. So, I've been in daycare for 26 1/2 years.

[CityGarden]

I am a newbie.... launching this summer.

I am a teacher with my credential and I have had an in home tutoring business for several years in addition to teaching, looking forward to this new venture.

[Josiegirl]

I've been doing childcare for 33 years now. There were years I searched for other jobs or work from home ideas because I just couldn't take the stress anymore, there were years I took a couple months off, but the past 9 years have been the best. I've had great families, live by myself so there are no others in the household that have to be taken into consideration as far as noise, etc.
I found it much harder when our own kids were little because it seemed I was working and in demand almost 24/7 with very little help. It was tough.
Plus they offer better trainings, there is great support available, along with incentives. Yes, the government is poking their noses into too many places and expecting too much but I'd still rather do this than anything else. Well, except win the lottery and retire rich.

[LysesKids]

I started in December 2000... thanks to help from providers on another almost defunct forum (some of whom I believe visit here), I started out with a contract, but nothing like what I had now... got a backbone early on thanks to my friends and a few totally out of the blue shocks the first year.

I took off a few months here & there when I moved & worked as an on call Nanny during slow times. Started out licensed & became license exempt over the last few years thanks to too much government interference.

[Annalee]

I have been in the child care field for 32 years......have owned my own Family child Care for 24 years..... For the most part, I have loved it, but lately it has been a challenge

[Second Home]

March made 13 years for me .

[DaveA]

11 years this month

Before that 10+ (too early for math to count exact number) in centers

[Play Care]

Started in 2005, so 11 years. Worked at a preschool in college.
The first few years were tough, as my own kids were little. I wish I had relaxed and enjoyed it more
Thankfully I was blessed with pretty awesome families and kids in the beginning.