Too many kids

[playfelt]

I think the same applies not so much to too many but too much work in the sense of sit down and think about what it is that puts the stress over the top - is it the child that cries too much, the child that demands too much, the parent that is inconsistent, the child that seems to be busier than the rest of the group and stirs them up, the child that doesn't fit in age wise - some little some older and an odd age in between that doesn't fit with either group, etc. Once you have identified what it is that is leading to the stress decide your options.

It won't be that you have taken on too many kids - it will be that you have taken on the wrong group of kids/parents.

Once you have identified the stressor look at making changes that will help such as simplifying routines, changing program expectations, speaking with the parent about the issue, and ultimately releasing the stressor and repacing them with someone that better fits with the group.

[Inspired by Reggio]

....It won't be that you have taken on too many kids - it will be that you have taken on the wrong group of kids/parents....

Agreed ~ when I was in centre care I had groups of children between 2 years to 4 years where I could easily managed and provide a program to 8 of them and at times of the day have up to 12 kids and still provide a safe and fun environment for them albeit it more of an assembly line we are doing the 'same' things ... however I have had groups in that same setting where I was stressed beyond belief with only 5 of them due to the 'mix' of personalities in that group.

Working from home, by myself, without some of the extra pairs of hands and resources of centre care I am very careful of the 'mix' of children I take on ... both age/development wise and personality wise ... as well as ensuring that the clients / parents share my core values and willingness to work with me with their child to ensure that they gentle, empathetic and respectful learners in the program.