Themes and activities

[torontokids]

I know it's not rocket science, none of this stuff is. It is about being super organized though and managing multiple demands including the multiple needs of children and families. I think I am still finding my way and once I do I will feel more in control of everything and less like I am always doing daycare duties but never catching up. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and when things aren't exactly what I had envisioned them then I am too hard on myself. I am trying to learn to give myself a break and realize that I have only been at this 2.5 wks!

[sunnydays]

Give yourself a break! I found that the first 6 months to a year was about survival and getting the basics. Prioritize things. Learning how to manage the kids so that they are fed, clean, happy, and most importantly, safe, are the main things. Once all the basics become easy, then you can get adventurous. For now, why not keep it simple and just let them play, maybe some playdough, some crayons and painting...simple things that you do not have to plan ahead or spend time preparing. It is more important that the kids are happy and secure than having a theme of the week in my opinion. I don't do themes myself. I go with the kids' interest and find activties online (especially pinterest) that I know they would like. The only themes I do are for special holidays like Valentines Day etc when we will focus on hearts etc. I think they will have lots of time for themes when they start school. For me it is more important to expose them to a variety of activities and oppoortunities to think and explore. Don't stress yourself any more than you need to...you will burn out!

I know it's not rocket science, none of this stuff is. It is about being super organized though and managing multiple demands including the multiple needs of children and families. I think I am still finding my way and once I do I will feel more in control of everything and less like I am always doing daycare duties but never catching up. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and when things aren't exactly what I had envisioned them then I am too hard on myself. I am trying to learn to give myself a break and realize that I have only been at this 2.5 wks!

[torontokids]

Thanks everyone. We are currently doing programming everyday and I make sure the kids have at least 1 or 2 crafts to bring home as evidence of this, heh heh I was just wondering about "formal programming" using weekly themes. I agree this will be a plan further down the road but I think I will take Sunnydays advice and not worry too much about it and also do what Cadillac suggested and start working on this in chunks then when I am ready to go I have it there. This resource book would be good to show prospective clients as well. Thanks!