Aw, sorry to hear you're feeling down

I know this job can be tough at times and it's definitely not for everyone. I found the first couple years difficult. I felt isolated and hadn't quite cut my teeth on the home daycare aspect of the profession. However, now 12 years into home daycare, I love it and find it to be the least stressful job of all. However, last year I did take a child on Saturdays as well and that was too much....kids all the freakin' time! Have you considered just letting your Saturday clients go? I found that having just 5 days on with 2 days for myself to look forward to was much easier. I too saw burn out on the horizon. Dropping the Saturdays helped immensely!

Sorry also to hear of your infertility. That's a shame and I hope the IVF goes well for you both. Is that something you can manage with a daycare? I have a friend who went through it and found it hard. I think it was more due to the mood swings and inconvenience of appointments though. I doubt the mothers complaining about their pregnancies and kids is meant to be intentionally insensitive. I know I complained at points in my pregnancies and continue to about my kids from time to time. It's natural and they probably look at you as a 'friend' of sorts But I can understand your frustration completely.

If shutting down is the best thing for you, then do that. However, I will say that it does get better with time and experience. If they're not listening to you or following rules, become a hard ass (like me)....and pick your battles. And most of all, just enjoy the kids. Get silly with them and try to enjoy things like you could be a kid too. Do things you want to do and let go of curriculum....just have fun! Whatever route you choose, I wish you all the luck in the world. Chin up