Keeping your cool

[Other Mummy]

Sounds like you are going thru a burnout/slump. I went thru this last year. You know what helped? I termed my nuisance child that grated on my nerves and was constantly pushing buttons and trying to get a raise out of the other kidlets. Perhaps you need to restructure your daycare? Term and replace a particular child that is not working out?

We all know this, but forget often. Make time for yourself. When the kids are napping, take some time for yourself. Do you nails, watch some TV, rest with your feet up with a good trashy novel or magazine.

This business is very difficult some days(weeks). Don't feel badly about turning on the TV whilst prepping lunch. I do this every lunch time. We watch a Disney movie for 20 min. while I prepare lunch, get the table set, etc. IF this is your sanity saver..while feel bad? Sounds like you run a very structured, organized and fun filled daycare. I promise if you turn on the TV for a few minutes while prepping snack or lunch, your daycare kids won't turn into TV zombies. Sometimes they need that down time as well. If it makes for a more relaxed and sane/happy provider than why not?

I can completely relate to the irritability at the end of the day. Again, perhaps a 30 min break between daycare closing and starting on your "family" work duties. The first year is the hardest. But it's not written in stone. It can be 12, 18 or even 24 months, but it gets easier as time goes on.

As far as keeping my cool throughout the day?? Chocolate and coffee keep me going LOL!