My turn to vent...or cry :(

[5 Little Monkeys]

Okay, so normally I am a very happy person and try to stay upbeat and see the positive. Right now though, all I see is my bed and I want to climb in, have a cry and not get out!! (okay, it's not that bad but it's getting there!)

This year has been a rough one for kids leaving already. I know it comes with the job and I have to get used to it but it seems like they are all leaving at once!! First, I had a child leave end of January. Not going to lie, I wasn't too terribly sad over it because she was my handful. 2 weeks later, another one left because dad got laid off from work. I started a new little boy who is incredibly easy to care for! Things were going well and financially I wasn't stressed to fill the part time spot I had open. However, yesterday, a mom informed me that she got accepted into the daycare at her college (that she applied for 2 years ago) and even though she loves it here she will be fully subsidized and instead of paying $30/day she will be paying $2/day. Financially it's a no brainer for why she is leaving. She is an angel and so sweet and it's makes me really sad to see her go. Than today a mom who is due in September told me that her son's last day will be the end of June (she's a teacher and he wasn't going to be here for the summer anyways). He's another perfect dc child and I am also sad to see him go :( If I have 2 dc spots available for when mom is off mat leave, she would like to send them both here. I can't guarantee spots that far in advance though.

I am feeling a mix of emotions. I am sad to see the children go but I completely understand it's life and the parents will do what is best for them. I know I will have to get used to this but I become really attached to the kids. I mean we do spend a lot of time together so it's normal lol. However, I am feeling anxiety over these spots I have to fill!! I went from being financially comfortable to counting my pennies!! (teaches me for getting comfy in this job, which is never stable!) I know I will eventually fill the spots and things will be fine but I just needed to get my feelings out to people who understand what I'm going through. Thanks for listening to my ramble!

[superfun]

I totally feel for you. It must be really sad to get comfy with a group and now you have to find another good group of kids. I know it will happen to me at some point, I bet I'll cry a little when it's time for my originals to move on. If you want I can look through my waiting list for people that want to start at certain times, in case you don't feel like advertising on "the other" website.

[Polkaroo]

I'm so sad this is happening to you. From what I read, you are definitely NOT alone. Vent away and if you need anything let us know.

I always love the fact that you're a positive person (shows in your posts) but you are human and this is definitely something that would get anyone worried. If you need to vent or cry (or eat a yummy batch of those chocolate cookies :) ) then so be it.

Things will get better. From what I read, you provide amazing care and any parent would be lucky to have you care for their child. Sending positive vibes your way.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Superfun...I bawled the first time one of my originals left!! He was great, the family was great and he and my fiance were really attached to each other. I have definitely gotten better over time when kids leave. I mean, logically I know it has to happen but emotionally it sucks every single time. I keep my business and personal life very separate so when they leave my dc they also leave my life. It can be tough but I would rather do that then mix the two. I have had a couple past children come back from time to time for the occasional days they need care but that eventually stops too. I think sometimes that is the hardest...knowing that we impacted each others lives for a period of time and now we will never see each other again other than the odd time we might run into each other at the grocery store. That would be great if you are willing to share your waiting list! I actually just gave mine to mickyc the day before the first mom told me lol. What are the chances hey? I think most of them have found care though! I have had a couple emails tonight already and I will be re-posting my ad tonight or tomorrow likely. Thanks!!

PurpleBunny...Thanks for those kind words!! I do not say this to be conceited or vain or "bragging" but I know that I provide great quality care and I am confident not conceited. I am nowhere near perfect and there are tons of things I could improve on but for the most part, I offer a great place for parents to bring their children. I work with all my parents and am very accommodating to their needs but firm when need be. All of my past parents have left on great terms (except for one, I feel like they left because they didn't like something but they didn't say that and left saying they would miss it here) and I get emails from parents who have been sent my way from past clients from 2 years ago. I don't know if it would be easier to have clients leave because they didn't like it here...at least than I know what I could improve on. The clients that have left have done so because life happens and things change and they have to do what is best for them. I can't blame them for that! I would do the same in their shoes. It doesn't make it easier but that's just one of the cons of doing this job. Oh and PS. I ate 3 cookies ;)

I love this website!! It is so nice to get my feelings and frustrations out!! Thanks :)

[5 Little Monkeys]

Oh AND......I bought a used quad stroller over the weekend and today I paid my taxes off in full so I don't even have my savings to fall back on :( blah!!!

[superfun]

You'll have replacements quick. I know it won't be a problem for you finding new families.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Things are already looking up!! I have a meeting for the July spot(which I haven't even advertised for yet) with a very interested mom. I have 3 people interested in the full time April spot but no meetings set up yet. Looks like the part time April spot may be the only one I need to advertise for!! Cross your fingers!!

Positive thinking and vibes really do work :)

[Teagansmom]

So sorry to hear your losing so many kids 5LM....I know how hard it is to see kids leave. I'm really happy that you may already have your spots filled. That's fantastic!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks Teagansmoms. I am exhausted today, had an awful sleep and maybe got a few hours! One of the 3 that were interested in the full time april spot emailed this morning and has found care so now I'm down to 2. It's going to be a long day....I'm already wanting to go to sleep haha.

[Other Mummy]

5 Little Monkeys...I feel your angst. I'm in the same boat :( After being full for almost 2 years, I'm now going to be down to 2 full time dck's at the beginning of May. One family is moving, one is going on mat. leave and the other lost her job! Ugh. This part of the job is so stressful. Having to fill 3 spots is overwhelming and exhausting and very stressful :(

Here's to us filing those spots quickly!!

[gravy_train]

I don't have any words of wisdom, 5 LIttle Monkeys but it sounds like things are looking up and you're feeling more positive! I hope it works out for you.

[Fun&care]

It really sucks to lose that many kids at once. I think it happens or will happen to all of us at some point...it's upsetting especially if you don't see it coming. What losing kids has taught me tho is that ALL daycare arrangements are temporary and will end at some point whether it's sooner or later. If you go in with that mentality you are less likely to feel heartbroken when a child moves on, although that doesn't mean you don't make the best of it while they are with you. As for filling spots it sounds like you have a great daycare and I'm sure parents will see that in an interview so chin up! Everything will be ok!

[bright sparks]

Things are already looking up!! I have a meeting for the July spot(which I haven't even advertised for yet) with a very interested mom. I have 3 people interested in the full time April spot but no meetings set up yet. Looks like the part time April spot may be the only one I need to advertise for!! Cross your fingers!!

Positive thinking and vibes really do work :)

Fingers crossed for you. My first couple of departures were sad, but I think because it was just something I had little experience with. The only time I have truly been upset was when I relocated out of town and said goodbye to my entire group, all at the same time and 3 of them had been with me for 3 years. I went to Walmart with 6 kids and had a group picture done and gave them to the parents as departing gifts and I have one in my kitchen draw still that I look at regularly. Great memories!

If the enquiries are still coming in then I'm sure you will fill your spots in no time. It's worse when it's a quiet period and no matter what you do to promote yourself there just aren't any bites and there really isn't anything we can do about that. Good Luck and keep us posted :)

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks everyone! A few of the inquiries won't work out but that is okay. I have a couple that look promising so that is good. The instability and inconsistent paycheques are definitely what stress me out the most with this job.

[5 Little Monkeys]

5 Little Monkeys...I feel your angst. I'm in the same boat :( After being full for almost 2 years, I'm now going to be down to 2 full time dck's at the beginning of May. One family is moving, one is going on mat. leave and the other lost her job! Ugh. This part of the job is so stressful. Having to fill 3 spots is overwhelming and exhausting and very stressful :(

Here's to us filing those spots quickly!!

I hope we both fill our spots quickly!! This is the 2nd time that I have had 2-3 spots to fill and you are right, it is overwhelming and emotionally exhausting!! It always works out though :)

[Secondtimearound]

So sorry to hear !!! I know how hard it is when dcks move on !! I always wonder and hope that their lives have been impacted by their time with me !! It seems so endless !!! Interviews , transitions , good byes !! Repeat !!
I hope you fill your spots soon !!!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Whoop whoop!!! I have an interview for the July ft spot on Sunday and one on Monday for the April ft spot. They have both read my contract and are still interested and both families seem great via email communication. One is a friend with an acquaintance of mine too. I just have the pt spot open and it's been open for awhile but if I can fill the 2 ft ones than I'm not overly worried about it. I hate trying to fill pt spots around the other pt schedules!! TGIF!! :)

[Polkaroo]

That's great news ! I wish you all the best. I'm sure you'll fill those spots. Anyway you could fill the PT spot FT if you find another client? Maybe advise the PT parents that someone would like the spot FT and they have the option of paying FT or losing their spot? Obviously only say that if you actually have someone interested. Finding a second PT clients is hard to find. Good luck this weekend! Let us know how it goes ;)

[5 Little Monkeys]

Thanks PurpleBunny. I actually have 2 pt. One comes wed-fri and the other comes mon-thurs. I may ask the mon-thurs if they want the fri spot but I know the wed-fri won't want the mon/tues and I'm okay with that. They've been with me 2 years and are a great family and it's the agreement I signed them on as. I may actually not fill the part time spot (its 3 days a week) so that when one of the other 2 pt's leave, It will be easier to just fill it with a ft. I don't know tho...the mon-thurs child is new and they just told me yesterday how much they love it here so I don't see them leaving anytime soon and the wed-fri child will likely be here until preschool or kdtgn if nothing changes in the meantime. That's at least another 1.5 years though so I don't know if I want an empty pt spot for that long.

This is why if I could do it over again, the only thing I would change is no Pt spots!!! lol, oh well

[5 Little Monkeys]

HAPPY MONDAY!!

Things are looking soooo much better :) I had an interview for my April spot yesterday and one today for my July spot. The July spot is now filled!!!!! She is dropping off the deposit tomorrow. It is such a huge load off my mind knowing that at least that one is filled. The mom from yesterday is supposed to get back to me by tomorrow so hopefully I have good news tomorrow too.

[bright sparks]

That is fantastic news. I have had 1 spot open for months now and one opening up in September too due to Mat Leave. I have an interview tonight for the September spot so fingers crossed I have the same good luck as you :)

[Other Mummy]

That's great news !! I guess your good luck rubbed off on me :D I filled 2 spots and only have 1 more to go!!

Thank goodness it happened relatively fast. I remember in the past it often took months to fill 1 spot (either they weren't the right fit, hours didn't work, etc.)

[5 Little Monkeys]

My fingers are crossed for you BS!! I hate when dry spells happen!

Other mummy...that is awesome!! I too love when they fill quickly as it is stressful when you aren't sure what your income is going to be and how long you will have an open spot for.

I have to tell a story because I find it pretty cool.........I had my cards read this weekend at a friends social. The very first thing she said to me was that the name Jack appeared to her and was coming across very strong. She asked if this name meant anything special to me and I said I have 2 uncle Jack's but that I am not overly close to either. The child that is taking the July spot is named Jack but I didn't know that until today!!! It creeped me out when I realized that LOL. She also said that I have very positive and happy energy so that made me happy!! I have never had my cards read but after a few things she said, I am now a believer and want them read again! haha

[Other Mummy]

That is so cool. BTW...Jack is the name of my favourite little dcb who is moving to Ajax :(

[5 Little Monkeys]

Major load of stress is off of me now....both ft spots have been filled!!! One is for April and one isn't until July which is nice because I have loads of time to transition the April spot. I just have a pt spot open but that doesn't bother me. It's been open for a while and I don't mind the easier days.

How did your interview go BS?