Struggling...

[Starshine]

I took on a few before/after school kids at the beginning of the month because I needed to financially. I still haven't filled the space that I am hoping to fill with a younger child. I read all the "warnings" about doing before/after care, but I thought I could handle it. Well, I'm having a really hard time. The kids are loud, disrespectful, hyper, etc--granted, they have only been here for 3 weeks, and I have spoken to their parents, but these kids have no respect for me! I am reminding them daily of what the rules and expectations are in my home and even giving time-outs to one of them! I don't know how to discipline an older child! Also struggling with the daily walks to/from school. I keep having to remind them to stay with me on the sidewalk and not run off ahead. And my own child is sick this week and I hate having to bring him out on these walks when he's not feeling well! Also, they never want to do anything! I plan activities that I think will be fun and they just say 'oh do I have to?' I let them free play and they just bicker and fight with each other and make a giant mess. When it's nice out we play outside, but even then, they find something to complain about. Ugh, I just don't like being in this position where I have to do it for the money, I am interviewing to fill a full-time space, but so far no luck. Thanks for listening.