I have been operating for 4 1/2 months. I have 3 part-time clients and 1 full-time client--I am okay financially with this. I am a single parent and I am homeschooling my own child. I don't have a vehicle and I live in an apartment. I started doing home daycare because I wanted a way to stay home with my child and homeschool, and still earn an income--it was literally the only option I could see.

I find it difficult having my own child (7) with daycare children (toddlers)--I feel like when I am with one, I am neglecting the other. My child is great with the daycare kids and I think in some ways it is beneficial for him to be around young children--it is teaching him a lot about empathy, and being kind, gentle, etc. But I also worry that spending so much time with younger kids in hindering his own development. There are lots of activities that I would like to get my son involved with (homeschooling groups, etc) but I can't because I have to be home with the daycare kids, be here for naps, etc. Also, not having a vehicle, I rely on walking/public transportation, so if I want to drop my son off for an activity, it takes a long time with travel time.

Being in an apartment, the daycare kids have access to the entire place other than my son's bedroom. The kids nap in my room, the living room has turned into a playroom, etc. I want my home back. I feel like I have no privacy and that I can't relax here anymore. I feel like the house always has to be presentable for daycare kids and for interviews. There are toys and stuff everywhere and I'm tired of looking at it all. I feel like it's not my home anymore.

I miss interacting with other adults--even if we go out, the interaction with other adults is always focused on discussing kids. I miss having intellectual discussions and learning about different things. I feel like my brain is going to mush. In some ways, this isn't challenging enough for me in the ways that I need it to be.

In terms of what I like, I like being home with my son. I like setting my own hours/rates and making rules that work for us, being in charge of how things work. I like running my own business. As for the kids, I take very good care of them, I provide enriching activities, I hug and snuggle them, but I don't get particularly excited about any of it.