How old were your kids when you started home daycare

Oups not 2 times a week ... I meant once every other week LOL.

I just opened a little over a year ago and my sons at the time were 2,6,12,15...my youngest (who, of course is home with me) is always my challenge in a day...I love the child more than anything...but, this child knows when to push my buttons! He's simply a dramatic child (my husband is a drama teacher, actor, comedian...not far from the tree!). He's the one screaming the loudest, throwing toys as part of some elaborate storyline, yelling "all done time out" or "all done sleeping (always the first one up, morning or naptime...I should nick name him alarm clock")...I'm ashamed that some (okay, most) days when Dad arrives home I do a little happy dance in my head. In terms of daycare (aka, playpens in everyone's bedroom) my older boys have adjusted very well & love the kids...first thing they do when they get home is come to the play room to play. And, my youngest has adapted very well too...shockingly well having to share his space (guess it helps that the playroom, acquiring toys/equip., opening daycare all happened at the same time).

I always think about the other option: getting up early, racing out the door, dropping them off at someone ELSE's house, working all day, getting home just in time for dinner, giving them a quick bath, then saying goodnight. I'm exhausted just typing it! Never! Not for me!

I started when my son was 5. As a single parent, it's hard because I very rarely get a break.

I started a little more than a year and a half ago. My daughter was 14mos old at that time.

My kids were 3, 4 and 10 yrs. Now they're 14, 15 and 21. Wow.....that looks even worse in print! Anyhoo..... I was pooped in the beginning too. It's an adjustment for sure! I found the isolation hardest. However, once I got used to the new routine, it was totally fine. Now it just feels normal having a houseful of young kids. In fact, I just had a slumber party this weekend with 3 of the girls I used to look after....they're all older now.....that looks worse in print too.

Okay, before I succumb to the ravages of age completely.....Hang in there. It'll get easier. Have stuff (grown up stuff) to look forward to in your off hours. Heck, even during work hours! Set up a coffee date with a friend who has kids. Take the kiddies out for lunch or to the mall. Plan a nap time to do NOTHING!!!!! Plan a 'Sloth Day' with the kids (movies, jammies and buffet). My own children thought it was a national holiday, though it was just my way of doing something fun, different and giving me an opportunity to vegetate for a little while.

you have your hands full...thats all. plus you just started...it takes a while to get in the swing. sounds to me like the second half of your day is more tiring than the first? you are probly running here and there for your own kids as well. you have a lot to deal with...I'm sure you will be able to get the balance soon. :)