Which Child?

[Cadillac]

I love babies (I started out my business with my own 4 month old and 2 9 month olds) but when the vast majority of my group is getting older, a baby doesn't always make sense in terms of activities and such. My youngest will be 18 months in September so I'm thinking thats not exactly a baby anymore. I could manage it . .. . . but why manage when I could have a two year old from the get go? . . . who starts earlier at that.

I'll have to wait for the playdates to get a better idea. It's nice to have options but the final decision can be tedious.

[playfelt]

My first pick would child #2 in the sense that come Sept your youngest in care will be 18 months meaning walking, self feeding, responding to some commands etc. so not really a baby anymore.

The older child could be a playmate but you have enough 2 year olds that will be closing in on 3 that that won't be an issue and the older one may appreciate being "in charge" for a change while other 3 year old is at school especially if the older one liked to direct the play sometimes. It also puts too many at the same level meaning you lose them all at the same time. As for the not napping it is easier to find things for one to do then have to supervise a group and intervene, stop them from talking etc. If she is borderline for sleeping on the couch with a movie or better yet on a mat somewhere else with a DVD player and laying down on her tummy to watch she just might fall asleep some days and if not you know where she is for an hour to do your own thing.

The third child fits in age wise but not necessarily without baggage tagging along in the sense of a parent that needs tending and considering you have options do you really want to take on that extra "child" as well as the 2 year old. It could really upset the flow you have now. Also tossing another child into a group the same age might sound easy but often it is the source of conflict since the other children have grown together and worked out the balance of power. Just where the new child fits in, who they play with the most, who gets left aside as new alliances form could make for some uncomfortable days.......

or you let your group that functions so well just continue on their course and sit back with a baby that you will train into the group.

[gcj]

hmmmm.. three 3 year old girls....been there. done that. I 'd go for the baby. There's always a 3rd wheel (except the afternoons when one's at school, but most of the afternoon is spent napping, anyways.) I took a break from babies thinking it was easier to take on older ones, but when they start at 1, YOU get to mold them to YOUR daycare. It's an investment that I find always pays off. Then also your ages are a little more scattered for when kids start school and you start over with new ones.
I vote baby!

[michellesmunchkins]

hmmmm.. three 3 year old girls....been there. done that. I 'd go for the baby. There's always a 3rd wheel (except the afternoons when one's at school, but most of the afternoon is spent napping, anyways.) I took a break from babies thinking it was easier to take on older ones, but when they start at 1, YOU get to mold them to YOUR daycare. It's an investment that I find always pays off. Then also your ages are a little more scattered for when kids start school and you start over with new ones.
I vote baby!

I agree!!! I love getting them at 12 months. Easy to mold to my program, love the nice long afternoon naps and easier to transition then an older child. I have had a hard time transitioning an older child and by 3 they already have their 'attitude' and personality that is really hard to change if it doesn't fit in with our schedule and program, not to mention that they will be off to school soon and you'll have to go through the whole process of advertising and interviewing again. My votes are always for the babies...and a double vote because the parents are awesome.

[Crayola kiddies]

If it were me I and all three children were equal I would go with the youngest as they would be with you the longest. I'm not a big fan of interviewing or transitioning and I only take one before and after as they take up a space in the summer .... Right now I have one that will go to school this sept and she is staying for b/a school and then next sept (2013) I will have two more going to school so I will need to fill those spots .... If you take too many the same age they all leave at the same time .... Thats my nickel !

[Sandbox Sally]

I would totally go with the one year old! Your schedule, awesome family, and she'll be around for a while!

[noslen]

I quick question please

how many children full time and allow to have and how many before and after also what is fear fee for before school and before and after thank so muh

[Sandbox Sally]

noslen,

It differs from province to province. I don't know where you are, but here in Ontario, you can have 5 children ages ten and under, not including your own. It doesn't matter if they're before/after school or full time - you can have no more than five at any given time in your home.