Long weeks - a confession

[jammiesandtea]

Rather than a book, I would recommend asking the advice of well seasoned, experienced providers, which you're doing. Perhaps not all, but many of the books by self-appointed "experts" are junk, and can steer you wrong. Go with tried-and-true, back-to-basics advice from providers with many years of successful experience. They are your best resource.

Your idea to get out of the house more often to re-charge is a good plan. You can also look at ways to make your daycare days easier for awhile as well. Take more time to sit on your behind and relax while the kids free play. If crafts aren't something you particularly enjoy, slack off on them for awhile. No one is going to die or be horribly impacted by missing a few crafts or structured activities for a bit.

And most importantly, don't be hard on yourself because you think you should be "having fun" all the time while doing this job. It's not always fun. Sometimes it's boring, sometimes it's exhausting, sometimes it's extremely maddening and frustrating when you have some badly behaved kids.

If you still have other reasons for wanting to do this job, whatever those reasons are... then focus on those and don't put pressure on yourself that you need to be feeling like it's all sunshine and lollipops and oh how the kids are so wonderful, all the time. This is a job just like any other job - sometimes it just sucks - and like anyone else with a job, it's ok to be doing it for the paycheque, or to be home with your own kid, or whatever. It's not always gonna be "fun".

So take some more time for yourself, to recharge your batteries and nourish your own soul, in whatever ways work for you.

And try the advice of seasoned providers on the daycare kids' behaviour issues. They might improve dramatically, and if they don't, then advertise and replace them with kids who don't make your life miserable.

Hugs to you.