Great post!I have been doing this for 1-½ years come March and what I have learned is that I can manage 5 children extremely well plus my daughter. Having the right balance of kids is paramount. I have learned how to relax a lot more in regards to things being perfectly placed around the house. I still haven’t gotten to the point of letting the kids finger paint in the house but I’m slowly getting there. J

I have learned that the families I have chosen all mirror my values and style of parenting thus this gives me the mutual respect and direct line of communication that I need to stay a positive force in there child lives. When I started out I had a few extremely challenging kids and I now know what I can handle.

I’ve learned a few tricks along the way on how to manage time and I find myself amazed when a Mother of 2 says they need a break, as they can’t get anything done! LOL This makes me extremely happy of how balanced I have become. I’m not saying that everything is perfect as my bedroom could use a major overall but it seems that it is the only space I get me time for so I let things be I so I can focus on reading, getting caught up on e-mails etc.

I have my days where I crave adult conversation but looking back to my old busy work life with no me insight. I think I have finally come to love working for myself.

I know I’m doing great things for the kids in my care. I treat them with love and respect, give them the extra attention and hugs they may need. Like other posters said they might not remember me but I know I have helped give them an amazing start to building good core values.

I also used to be in my parents shoes, as I know how it is to have a child in daycare so I feel this only can be a huge asset in how I approach certain topics etc.

I do miss going to lunch with my friends or grabbing the keys in the middle of the afternoon and go to the mall but now I have weekends off something I never had before.

The short winter days can be a bit of a downer but come summer it will be amazingly fun all over again and I can’t wait! I’m already planning my trips to the beach!

Going to drink coffee now in my P.J's, so greatful.