Having trouble deciding if I am done with day care or just having a bad month :(

[bright sparks]

I think it's great that you care about his family but let's be clear that you should not feel guilty about the length of their drive or where they chose to send him to preschool. They are only thinking of themselves and what works best for them in terms of childcare. Even the kindest daycare parents are still putting their needs first, so if you don't start looking after yourself as number 1, then things will likely get worse. It sounds to me that you have already made your mind up about quitting and are looking for reassurance that you are making the right decision. If this is effecting your health and you are not happy, then I think you either change the entire dynamic of your group quickly, or you give notice.

I always find the most problems are with siblings. I had a pair and just recently the older one went to full time kindergarten and now the 2 year old is a dream but before hand they would rough play, egg each other on and were just dreadful. I had another pair where the youngest was such a wimp and the older sister would comfort her constantly so the younger one would cry for everything or run to the sister all the time and for everything, this obviously hindered her independence skills and ability to self sooth. Not all siblings are bad but you obviously have a right pair. If you are doing all you can and are seeing no change then mum and dad are most likely not being consistent with discipline at home or the spanking is actually not working and creating a bigger problem and you are probably wasting your energy which really only results in negative repercussions for you.

I think 4 weeks notice is enough to give and although things may be challenging at first in your new career path, I imagine that you will feel a huge sense of relief and revitalised. Good Luck.

[eoinsmom]

You're right, I think I have made my mind up and just needed some feedback. This morning we've already had a tantrum from the 3 year old when I told him no tv, and the 1 year old has been constantly pushing my other 1 year old over and pulling her hair, not to mention pulling my cat's tail and squishing the cat. Now its just a matter of me giving notice. I would really like to tell them tomorrow, with an end date of Dec 20 as thats my last day before xmas break. Is that enough notice? Is that a reasonable amount of time to find a new caregiver, or would you be ticked off since its right around Christmas?