Kind of a vent- parents change terms of care- Your thoughts?

[Daycare123]

I don't think yo should feel bad-you agreed to one arrangement and that arrangement has changed. I am open from 7:30-5pm-I will not take on a family that needs care outside of my hours-it is already a 9.5 hour day.

[gramma]

I have a 6:30 am start and I regret agreeing to it everyday. It has only been a few months but i am feeling burn out already. I go to bed frustrated because all I can think of is how early dcg will arrive. I will be terminating this family next month because i know that i cannot do this long term. I have guilt for sure but I have given it more than a fair amount of time and I honestly didnt realize how hard it would be. I also wouldnt take a child for a short term placement unless i absolutely had to. good luck

[kidlove]

If you are in need of the money or willing to just do this short term then go for it! but let me tell you, i open at 6:30 for one client and 7:30 for the rest, and although I do well now and it really is second nature to wake up at that time and I go all day no tiring NOW! it took me a good year or more to get here, getting up that early and running all day nonstop takes a toll, and going outside your hours can sometimes cause a little hard feelings! just go with your gut, do it if its temp, but dont do it if you have any second thoughts!

[playfelt]

I open for 6:30 cause hubby leaves for work at 6:20 so I have to be up and ready to go anyways so figure I might as well start my day and have the extra time at the end of the day since he also gets home around 4:30 so it works with his schedule too. Sometimes the hardest part is my 6:30 child now comes at 6:45 because brother's school daycare doesn't allow drop off till closer to 7 and it is hard not to sit while waiting and almost dose off. I don't get enough sleep because I deal with my own daughter's erratic sleep schedule - but that is a whole different issue.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Mom was worried that adding her one year old to my daycare would be too much for me to handle. She said that she was concerned about 'safety' and me being too busy and overwhelmed. I did appreciate her honesty because it gave me the chance to reiterate my concerns about early starts/long days, burnout etc, especially since it's not just going to be the 1-2 days a week as originally agreed upon, and the fact that it's going to be 11.5 hr days for me. I suggested that she have a talk with her hubby about finding other care for the child. In one way, we both feel bad that we're not giving the arrangement a fair try, but at the same time, i don't want to be overwhelmed and have to back out one month after caring for the kid. In my experience, if there are concerns (especially from both parties) it's best that we not enter into the daycare arrangement and the parents should find someone else. Better quit while you are ahead and before any feelings get hurt or before anyone is let down/stressed out.

I offered names/numbers of some DCP's in the area. Honestly, i really don't think i got a good handle on the extent of the need of care. However, both of us have our own concerns and we understand the other's concerns so i think the best thing would be for another DCP to care for the child.

[kidlove]

good for you, sounds like it worked out for the best!

[Momof4]

Lilywildcat, I just want to point out to you that the parents can read this forum.

[cfred]

I have always had 6am starts and 6pm closing. I provide that as so many don't but there are lots of commuters who can't swing the typical hours. I cater to those commuters specifically. Really....and I say this in all honesty, a 6am start, although not the bestest thing ever, is really not a big deal. I started my daycare when my kids were 2, 3.5 and 9, so I also had morning routines to deal with. I think it sounds worse than it actually is, but really, your routine just develops and you fall into a groove. In actuality, I enjoy the early mornings with those one or two kids who need early care. They usually lay on the couch and watch cartoons till 7 or so, I get some coffee on, check my email, start breakfast.....it just sort of allows for a slow start to the day. I've never felt even close to burnout due to early starts and it might snag you a little bit of a niche market.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Lilywildcat, I just want to point out to you that the parents can read this forum.

I understand that. I am not sure that i understand what you mean though. Can you explain please? was it something i said?

[kidlove]

I didnt notice anything offensive or inapropriate said, liliywildcat seemed to state the facts and ask for advice, nothing wrong there!!!!