If you could pick any age...

[Sandbox Sally]

Haven't read all the replies, but my absolute favourite age is from about 15 or 16 months on through until 3 years old. Before that, a loooot of work with kids mouthing things, bottles, sometimes not walking, etc, and after that, ATTITUDE! lol

[Smitty]

it was so nice to read this forum because lately I have really been dreading getting a request to take care of anyone under two years old. I know, I know I can't pick and choose but actually I can. I prefer the two plus age group and if I am happier taking care of older kids then that is what i will do. I thought most daycare providers just loved babies but now I know it's not always the case. Thanks.

[KellyP]

3. I LOVE 3 yr olds. I love their curiosity, their amazement every time they learn something new or figure something out.

They are a bit too old for the 2 year old tantrums and waaaay beyond the needy baby stage and haven't yet reached the sassy mouthy age of schoolers.

If I could have only 3 year olds....I would love my job even more than I do right now.

[Robyn]

My favorite age is the 3-4 yr olds not in school. I would have a houseful of these guys! So easy and you can do all sorts of fun stuff or you can just hang out together! They ask the best questions and get so excited about the simplest things! AND NO DIAPERS!!!

My least favorite is any age they are in school I am slowly souring towards this group which is really unfortunate. They are far too expensive to feed and I have had more broken toys from this group and they just don't listen!

[mom-in-alberta]

Definitely toddlers. Between about 15m and 2 1/2.
I don't mind diapers and sharing issues. I would have a houseful of this age if I could, except that I do find it difficult when doing school pick-up. It is a lot more work to load 4+ littlies, as opposed to one or two and the rest preschoolers.
I have a hard time with school aged, if I am also caring for small kids. The only way I will do school aged again is if I am transitioning out of daycare and that is all I am doing.

[Harmoni]

I like the babies, younger the better! Right up till about 22 mths, then they get a mind of their own and learn to be sassy/lippy! Ugh, so do not like be sassed off by a toddler. And they seem to pick up fighting shortly after turning 2! Or maybe thats just at my house?? lol