How many toddlers 12-24mths do you normally care for, and feel comfortable handling?

[Dayhome Mamma]

I'm private as well and I have a 12 mth old, a 14mth old, a 16 mth old, and a 20 mth old, and an occasional 3.5 yr old. plus my own two kids, 2 and 3yrs old. I don't take care of them all on my own though! I have two assistants-one for the morning, and one for the afternoon so that they don't burn out themselves! I didn't go the registered route because I prefer having all the ages close together....it actually runs smoother for me and makes more sense in catering the toys, activities and schedule to fit that age groups development (i had previously had more varied age groups and felt SO exhausted trying to cater to all the different mentalities and developmental stages!) and its the age group I know best so I feel most confident about dealing with them. It has also been a crazy year transitioning a new munchkin in what seems like almost every month since January when I felt I was ready to fill my spaces up. My plan was to take in an amount of kids that I could be able to handle on my own if need be, should my assistant be unable to make it, and I have had to a few times and it makes for a very hectic day because of the youngest one who does not walk yet. I find that once they are walking though, it makes it so much easier. Just another month or two away for this littlest one....I feel that I could handle it but just choose not to as I don't want to personally be that busy every day on my own. I'm all about the quality of life. Which makes me have to sacrifice a big chunk of my money to my assistants but I have an easier day because of it and I'm happier for it so I feel its totally worth it.