Is a small group just best for some people?

[DCMom]

I'm just starting out and from the outset wanted to have a small group (2DCK + own 2kids) so that I could really give the most attention to each of them.

I've ended up with 2 full-day and 1 half-day children and am feeling like I'm a ringleader of a 3-ring circus and just doing crowd control all day, not having much quality time with them as individuals or as the group.

It's really hard to tell if this is just my initial reaction as I start homecare, or is it the fact that they are still transitioning?

I'd love to hear from people who have tried/considered smaller vs. larger groups of kids. Experiences, advice, encouragement?

TIA

[Inspired by Reggio]

I find 4-5 is perfect for me having less than 4 I tend to get bored easily

However I do think it takes hands on experience to master how to 'manage a group' of children so that you can have time to spend individual time with them while still supervising the group...so if this is new for you than you need to give yourself time to 'find your groove' so to speak.

I have been doing childcare for over 20 years ~ my environment is set up to promote self led explorations and engagements to be easy to supervise and I work hard on my crew from the day they start on 'social skills' to work collaboratively and resolve their own conflicts ... this allows me LOTS of time to either be able to be engaged in their play if working on certain skills with them OR to be sitting back just observing and watching them navigate the environment.

Give yourself time to find your groove ~ keep reflecting and trying new things until you find a balance where the kids are engaged and you are able to 'support' rather than constantly having to feel like you are 'leading the circus' so to speak.

[mimi]

I agree with Reggio. When I started I had two f/t and I was in a panic about how I was going to deal with 2 babies. I found my groove and routine with the first two and suddenly I had 3 and 4 come along. A little panic time this time and then I was good. It's about your cofidence level and having a great routine. This forum helped confirm to me what I was doing right and taught me how to fix what I was doing wrong. So stay tuned and you will learn much.

[playfelt]

As a mom to four kids of my own it is easier to see that attention isn't just about one on one time. You are still giving attention during storytime if you are all on the couch with the youngest on your lap and the rest hanging off you somewhere as compared to you on the couch and the kids on little chairs in front of you. That is the difference between "family" care and centre care in my mind is the amount of physical contact.

Yes a large part of your day is spent on crowd control as it would be if you had several of your own children compared to one. For the most part when you start to think of all the children (biological + daycare) as your "own" then you don't feel quite as torn. The longer the kids are together the more they will form a cohesive group and it will get better too. As well you will develop routines and ways of shaving minutes off things like diapering and hand washing by how you set up the supplies or what order you do them in. All of that will come with experience. Every new group we get is like starting over. I just replaced older kids that left for school with babies so for me too I am working out what order to feed them and put them down, who sits in what high chair based on how much I have to help feed or who sleeps in what room based on how dark/quiet they need it. In a couple weeks life will smooth out here too - or at least that is the plan.

[apples and bananas]

I find that it takes a while for the kids to grow into your routine. They need to learn the rules and understand their boundaries. I think that staying very strong to your schedule and rules is important and makes them adapt quicker. Once these ones are comfortable you'll be able to add another and eventually you'll wonder how you even felt busy with just 2.

I like 3 full time as a rule. I find when I have 4, epecially 4 still in diapers, it makes lunch time and snack times and bed times hectic!

[kidlove]

it really is a matter of developing a routine for you and the children, once you all learn the routine the days will flow smoothly and you will find taking more kids will become easier and easier, starting slow is a really good idea, you can get the hang of things and develope that much needed routine and slowly add more if you desire later on. nothing wrong with three or so to begin. I am down in numbers right now and is the first time in about 3 to 4 years. At first I was bored to death, but now that my routine has changed to better suit my current situation? not really in a hurry to fill my spots any time real soon. I have so much more time than I have had in years. Get your routine down pat and give the kids a little time to pick it up, and you'll be a pro before you know it!!!!!

[Momof4]

DCMom, I really think it's best to start with a few daycare children and add them slowly as you get experience in planning your days, get your routines in place and become accustomed to your new career. I like to be full with 5 children for my income sake, but the days when I only have 3 or 4 children in care seem like a vacation now! You will get it!