I don't have children so I can't say "i love them like my own" but I can definitely honestly say that I have loved daycare children. I am a very comforting dcp and will hug/cuddle/hold on lap throughout the day "just because". There are some children who love this and some who don't so obviously I don't push it. I have stronger feelings for some children over others though and I think this is normal. I treat them all the same when it comes to showing affection (if they want it!) and disciplining.

When I am transitioning a child though, I provide comfort when they cry at drop off time. Then as the day goes on, I sit on the floor with them and play and show them the toys and other children. If I am holding them and they cry I set them down and explain that I won't hold them if they are crying for no reason. If they calm down I will hold them for a bit again and I keep doing this for as long as needed. I have to say that I have been lucky and have had pretty easy transitioning. (well until this newish group but that's another story!! lol)