I have been doing daycare for 15 years. I feel burn out at least once a year. Usually in the spring after a long winter indoors. I have learned to allow myself a couple of weeks of burnout. Where I may not do as much with the kids, they may get more tv time or free play. I don`t feel guilty about it anymore because I know it will pass and I`ll be back to my awesome self again soon
When I have felt tired and bored and stressed for a couple of weeks I usually plan something I know the kids will love and I enjoy too. It brings the kids out of the cabin fever and after a day of smiles it reminds me why I do what I do.
I will also hire a maid service for the day a couple of times a year. It is money well spent. I arrange for them to come on a Saturday, send my own kids to the grandparents and go to the spa and get a mani pedi and massage. By Monday I am soooo relaxed and happy and I have a day planned for the kids where I don`t have to worry about house work and I use paper plates and a disposable table cloth. It is a stress free fun day.
Sometimes I let the laundry pile up for a week, then take it to the laundra mat and get it all done at once. I sit with a cup of coffee and a magazinee and relax. leave the kids with hubby. It`s also kinda expensive but makes for a less stressful week.
It ain`t an easy job and less thankful than most. You really have to reward yourself and not feel guilty for not being perfect all of the time!