Good age ranges

[DCMom]

Hi,
I have a spot to fill and am trying to figure out what to advertise for. I currently have a 1-year-old, 3-year-old, and 1/2-day 6-year-old who will be just before- and after-school starting in September. I know that 1-year-olds are the most common to be needing care, but am not sure of the challenges of having 2 under 2. Would two 1-year-olds be companions to the 3-year-old? The 3-year-old is rather 'spirited' right now so an older child could be either a good or bad influence? If I get a 2, 3, or 4-year-old, is this preferrable or potentially challenging since they might have baggage or habits that need a lot of work? Thoughts? TIA!
DCMom

[torontokids]

I would just advertise for the spot and see what you get. Interview interested families and decide based on the family child at that point. Any age mix can either be good or toxic depending on the child. I know a lot of people like babies so they don't have "bad habits" as mentioned. I like having companions for the older children though as it can make your day nicer.

[mommylove]

I currently have 2- 1 year olds and 2- 2 year olds and personally love this group, the 2- 2year olds are doing the same things at the same time (potty training, learning to talk, playing independently ect..) and the 2- 1 year olds are also the same I find it easier to have kids around the same age group that way they are interested in the same things and your not having to do all these different activities geared to 3 different age groups. The babies are exploring (Crawling around and playing with toys and exploring their surroundings) where as the 2 year olds I can bake cupcakes with and do crafts ect. So all that being said if I were you I would try for another 3 year old since 1 year olds don't care much about having someone to play with and it is likely the 3 year olds will play with the 1- year old anyways....3 year olds love to have a companion and need attention if you have 2- 1 year olds the 3 year old would most likely need a lot of attention for you rather then taking the pressure off of you by having another little one to play with them.
Hope that helps

[sunnydays]

I agree with Torontokids...advert ise and interview and decide based on the families. I have brought 2 and 3 year olds into care and some turned out great and others not so great....but really the same goes for a child of any age. If you find a family who is a good fit in terms of values etc, go for it!