I started my daycare up when my boys were 2 and 3.5 and my daughter was 10. They're now 15, 16 and 22. They had the odd complaint about kids being everywhere, and that they didn't want cribs in their rooms. My response was 'this is how we make money so you can have that bedroom, toys, clothes and food, so suck it up'. That got the message across. Over the years, they've had close friends in the daycare and have been raised to be very tolerant of young children. Now, my 6 feet tall plus teen boys come in after school and baby talk to the toddlers and play with them....it's quite adorable :)
Like you, I wanted to be home for my children. I'm an ECE and have worked in daycare centres and hated the rotating shifts. I wanted continuity for myself and my family, in addition to running the program MY way. Also, the fact that this is a far more lucrative way to be in this industry didn't slip by me. It's been a great fit for my family. Plus, some of my past clients have remained close family friends, long since they've moved on. All in all, despite the ups and downs, it has been a tremendous benefit to my children, me and our family in general. Good luck and I hope you find the same experience :D
