Feeling Like Giving Up :(

[Sunshine44]

I would love to talk to you one on one. I felt the exact same way when I started around 3 years ago. I still have times when I want to throw in the towel, but it passes. I think like everyone said, it takes time. You have to build up clients, and know that you will be ok if one drops. Then you can do what YOU want and YOU need for your daycare. At first I would take anyone and do anything anyone wanted because I needed the business and didn't want to upset people and them walk. Now, I know I have a waitlist and they can go if they want. I will not live a miserable life because of someone else that is replaceable. It'll come, eventually. This year has been my best daycare year yet. It gets better. It has ups and downs.

STAY STRONG!!!

[Crazy8]

You've gotten lots of great info so far, but I really think BlackCat said it best. In 10 years I have probably gotten to the burnt out/overwelmed stage twice. It doesn't sound like that is your issue really - its that this isn't what you thought it would be and like others have said - this is probably the reality of your new profession. Only you can decide if its right for you and your family. Yes, I'd cut that one childs hours but I'm not sure that is the full reason for you feeling the way you do right now.
Good luck!!!!

[mom2many]

It can be a juggling act when you have young kids yourself. I had to cut my hours back when my own kids were involved in evening activities.

I have helped several of my dcm's over the years get their own home daycare's up and running and it's not always a good match for some. I think there is the perception that it will free you up to spend more time with your kids, but in some ways it ties you down. The huge trade off for me was being home EVERY day when my kids came home from school. I loved that aspect, so I was willing to forfeit some of the other things, that I would have liked to do. It's a trade off and everyone has to decide what is best for them!

When my kids were all in elementary school, I changed the age group that I was watching to school age only. This allowed me to take the kids on field trips on days off from school and do fun "age appropriate" things with my own children as well. I wasn't limited to nap schedules and infants hindering us from going anywhere and it worked great! I took a substantial cut in pay, but it was so worth it! You have to find what works best for you and your family and as I found this is constantly evolving.

I am now open from 7 am to 6 pm and it is totally fine for me to have these hours, because my youngest is now almost 21 and none of my kids are living at home. I don't have any issues with parents not picking up right after work and where I live it's not uncommon to have an hour commute to and from work, so I am willing to have my daycare open to accommodate these families.

I think staying organized and always having a plan for each day of activities is also key! I like to keep the kids interested in fun things through out the day whether it be cooking, crafts or preschool activities. This is the most rewarding and fun part of my job!