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.