Ladies, learn from my mistakes...

[mom-in-alberta]

I (like most of us) had a pretty HUGE learning curve the first year or so in business.
Since opening my doors the first day, I have learned:
- To listen to my instincts. If something seems fishy, it probably is. If a family doesn't seem like a good fit, they probably aren't. If I don't really want to do the extra (hours, type of care, whatever), then I probably shouldn't. It isn't fair to reneg on something I never should have said yes to in the first place.
- I set the tone around here. Not the children or their parents. This is my home, business and career.
- Little things can be big things to a family. One of my families was raving about how they love our monthly newsletter. I didn't think it was a big deal. She said it shows how much I care, that I look at this as more than "watching kids" (could have been offensive, but I knew what she was getting at), and that I value open and ongoing communication.
- For the love of all that is holy.... have a clear and concise contract and/or handbook. And add to it as need be. I am certain that if I still had a copy of my first one, it was about a page and a half. I think I am up to 9/10 pgs now. I don't want it getting any larger, LoL, but I needed to make sure I covered all my bases. And my newest family just told me the thoroughness of my handbook was a plus in their eyes.

By no means is this list all-inclusive. I am still learning new things about this career, daily. Thanks in huge part to all you wonderful folks!!!