What do you wish you knew then?

[TigerLily12]

Hi All!

I've been lurking on this forum on and off for a few months in anticipation of one day maybe opening a family daycare. Well, my husband and I took the plunge and bought a home, and I have begun the licensing process! I've learned so much from you all already, but I would love to hear the most important piece of advice that you wish you had known when you started out? Thanks so much!

[Blackcat31]

Hi All!

I've been lurking on this forum on and off for a few months in anticipation of one day maybe opening a family daycare. Well, my husband and I took the plunge and bought a home, and I have begun the licensing process! I've learned so much from you all already, but I would love to hear the most important piece of advice that you wish you had known when you started out? Thanks so much!

Off the top of my head, this is my "wish I knew then" list....

• Pre-pay ONLY
• Never waive/bend policies (and if you ever do, wait at least until a well established relationship has been formed)
• Decide early on what responsibilities fall to you and which belong to parents. Don't blur them.
• The interview process is THE best place to set the stage for the entire provider-client relationship
• Good behavior begins with good sleep, good nutrition and good exercise
• ALWAYS put you, your husband and your children's needs first

[laundrymom]

Hi All!

I've been lurking on this forum on and off for a few months in anticipation of one day maybe opening a family daycare. Well, my husband and I took the plunge and bought a home, and I have begun the licensing process! I've learned so much from you all already, but I would love to hear the most important piece of advice that you wish you had known when you started out? Thanks so much!

$5 per week. Per family. Straight to savings. For a "holy crap, I can not deal with this family another day and must terminate immediately" fund until you fill spot. It's been my saving grace a couple of times.

[Josiegirl]

Do not be a door mat.
Make sure a child and their family will be a good fit. Always use a 2 week trial period. Or even longer.
Get paid for 52 weeks a year.

And don't ever let a family disrespect you in your own home.

[TigerLily12]

Thanks everyone! These are great ideas! I especially love the "holy crap I can't deal" fund. I've spent the last 7 years working as a nanny so I definitely get the importance of setting clear boundaries, and making sure kids are eating and sleeping well, but being in a position of having to enforce my rules will be new.