I tell parents at the interview stage that WE ARE A TEAM WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER. That's pretty much my motto.

Also, a really smart friend of mine said this: Never negotiate with a terrorist, a teenager or a toddler. Just take charge.

This tagline is now on my bulletin board near my front door for all parents to see. It's so true! If parents take charge of their little ones with specific routines the way we HAVE to with 5 little ones in care every day there would be so much less craziness in their households. These little ones know when they can rule the house and take charge of their parents rather than the other way around. I tell parents all the time, you need to take back your household because this little tiny person is running you in circles. Sad but true.