This may just be a bit of a vent or it may open up discussion on how difficult our job is.

I opened my daycare for one reason... my kids. Like I'm sure most of you did. I saw they were having trouble with my seperation from their dad and I made the choice to stay home with them... and this is how I afford to do it. But sometimes it feels like I have nothing left for them at the end of the day. It's weighing very heavily on my lately.

So, where's my balance? What do I do to make sure I'm still here for them at the end of the day.

I have some early clients, as early as 6 am some days. Come October when one goes on Mat leave, all but one of my kids will come no earlier then 8am. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm finding the mornings really difficult, but I still have one that comes 2 - 3 days a week before and after school as early as 6am.

So here's my dilema. it's only before and after care so the $$$ is not worth the stress. The hours are extreme and unpredictable...diff erent every week. I don't need the $$$ from this one, and I wouldn't replace if I lost her.

All arrows point to terminating... but how do you terminate someone you've had in your care and commited to for over a year now? I just don't know. I think if I lost this child i'd throw a party. Not because of the child... just the hours. The kid is great!

When I started, like most, I took anything and everything... and this is the last one with crazy hours that's held on. I now have very strict 8am - 5:30pm hours.

Ok, I'm done with my little vent now. Sometimes it just helps to talk things out.