Going thru a rough patch?

[Momof4]

First of all, give yourself a break and slow down. Are you trying to be SuperMom & SuperDaycarelady and SuperWife, and on and on and on? That's my first guess. I kind of burn out once in a while too and I feel like I can't give my daycare 100%, but then I get my second wind.

The last few years I have decided to take a vacation week every 3 months. One week about March, one week in the summer, one week in Oct. and then Christmas comes with a few holidays even though it is hectic. It keeps me fresh and rested regularly and it's working great for me.

In my first few years as a daycare provider I was trying to pack the days with so many things but I realized that the children need time to play, just play. They are still learning and I'm still keeping them safe and giving them ideas and monitoring any problems. So I can sit back with a cup of tea and take a little break in the middle of the chaos. I deserve it and so do you because we worked damned LONG DAYS!

[playfelt]

I also find I usually need to change something in the setup or order when I feel that way too and it is usually a simple change but when you figure out if you store the wipes on the right hand second shelf they are faster to get down and put up than where you were storing them you also realize heck by the end of 3-4 diaper changes x 5 kids that actually translates into saved minutes. Sometimes it is removing a toy that I just can't stand them fighting over again or me having to say get down off the table so instead I put something on the table so there is no room for them on there or move it or put things around it so they can't get to it or whatever. Again it reduces the stress level which reduces the unsettled feelings.

And it is ok to be "on vacation" at home for the summer and take a break from most programming and then Septemeber is new again for everyone.

I love my tea breaks. The kids know they are not supposed to ask me for stuff when I have my tea. Then again constantly asking me "are you done your tea yet" is not helpful either.

[Momof4]

Haha, thanks for that playfelt. I always tell my little ones that it's my teatime and they have to play nicely by themselves when I sit in my comfy chair with my tea for a little while.

[Dayhome Mamma]

I too agree that these feelings come in waves. I get days when I question myself and whether I should keep on doing this, and then others where I am more content. Its a hard job. Physically and mentally demanding. Just hang in there and take it easy on yourself. Not every day needs to be perfect. Simplify things for yourself for a bit and revamp it once you feel your energy or drive back. As long as munchkins are safe and well fed and happy playing with each other then its a good day. You don't have to teach them everything. That's what preschool and kindergarten are for. I try to sometimes give myself that reminder and perspective; that I am a dayhome, not a preschool. Though my perfectionist self gets the best of me as well.

[KingstonMom]

Thanks everyone, today is a much better day. I get really fed up with it all and just need to vent sometimes.
Ive thought alot about what you all said and I will start taking it easier. Some days the kids will not do a fancy craft and may just colour or something instead. Also, sometimes a big glass is milk is enough for a snack if lunch is right around the corner.
I jsut feel so much pressure from parents at times (NOT because of anything anyone has ever said, they are all great). I just feel they think we are sitting around in front of the tv all day or something.
Plus I am full, I have 5 daycare kids, and my own two, 2 and 8 months old. So 7 kids is enough to keep me busy all day and at times I am pulling my hair out. Luckily, my vacation is NEXT WEEK so ill be laughing and needing the break. That shoudl help for sure.
My kids have alot of free play, indoors and out, and several trips to the park in a week. We have the kiddie pool, sandbox, a zillion toys, lots to do. But no, i am not a preschool and we dont have 'lessons' on their alphabet, numbers etc. They have fun with each other. I sometimes think i am only here to change bums, make food, and gove time-outs. I give plenty of praise for sharing, nice behaviour, cleaning up etc, but I dont have the time to be 'playing' with them, plus they dont really need me for that I suppose.
I dunno, I get frustrated, but after the days over, and the weekend hits, I start thinking about more fun things we can do on Monday.
I still believe I am in the right job, its not THAT BAD ya know?
Anyways, thanks for all the encouragement, I will take it all into account
thx girls

[apples and bananas]

"So 7 kids is enough to keep me busy all day and at times I am pulling my hair out."

WOW!!!!! 7 kids every day? Congratulation! my sanity maxes out at 3 full time and my own 2 floating around. Once I hit 4 full time for anymore then 3 days a week my sanity starts to get comprimised.

No wonder you're tired. I was tired just reading that.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Plus I am full, I have 5 daycare kids, and my own two, 2 and 8 months old. So 7 kids is enough to keep me busy all day and at times I am pulling my hair out!

Kudos to you hon - I could not physically do 7 anymore ... 5 is just plenty for me most days and I prefer 4

[canadianjule]

You deserve a big round of applause and a two thumbs up good for you. Enjoy that vacation of yours - you certainly deserve it !!!!

[Momof4]

KingstonMom, I'm on vacation next week too and if you need it as badly as I do I can certainly understand your burnout right now!!!

My vacation week off every 3-4 months keeps me completely sane with a break in the future and that what works for me. This week for example we are having humidity up into the 40 C range and I can't go outside in that weather. It kills me. But we did a million things indoors this morning and they were mad when I said we had to clean up the colouring and painting because I had to make lunch. Don't worry about taking quiet day whenever you feel the need.