My turn to vent...or cry :(

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!

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.

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.

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 :)

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!!!

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

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 :)

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!

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.

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!!