Has H's job changed and can you cut back a child? If not, I would suggest taking a week off (maybe Christmas break would be a nice break?) and take that time to rejuvenate and spend time with just your family. Don't think about daycare and enjoy some time off!! (If you can of course, I realize holidays are not always feasible)

7 children is a lot to care for every day by yourself and it's great that you recognize that and are reaching out for help! Do you have a friend or family member that could come over a few times a week for even an hour to give you a hand? When I first started I had two under 1 and two 2 year old's and it was stressful, especially getting outside and it was winter. I have a cousin who is a sahm and she would come every other day to help me take them out. It was wonderful and so nice to have that adult interaction because none of the children spoke yet.

Do you have a structured day or just free play? Change it up for a bit and do the opposite and see if that helps. If you can, prep as much work as you can when times are quiet or even in your off time. I cook as much as I can for the week on Sundays, prep any art during morning free play or the night before and try to have a basic plan for the day. I would say I am half and half...I have a plan for the day but it's not set in stone. For example, I go out in the mornings but it's not like it's 10am every day. If the kids are being out of control than I do more structured activities as this calms them down.

I have one that doesn't nap every day but during nap time she either watches tv, plays her ipad she brings from home, reads, does puzzles and sometimes I help her do workbooks. I am lucky that my kids nap well. If they wake up before naptime is over(like within 30-40 mins remaining) I go get them if they are crying. It is less stressful for me to get them and let them play quietly than it is to let them cry the remainder of the nap and worry that they will wake the others. I believe in letting them CIO to go to sleep but I don't really feel right letting a child cry after they have woken up and I know they aren't going to go back to sleep. However, if they are being quiet in their playpen I just leave them as I have them on video monitor and can see what they're doing. Some providers require children to nap the whole time so do what works and feels best for you.

If you're finding the afternoon a rush, maybe cut back nap even just 10 minutes? That ten minutes will ease the rush and allow you to get things done. Could you maybe even change the kids that get picked up last after you get back from bus pick up?

For the most part I would say I am not stressed. There are definitely times that I am stressed though and I know what it's like and it's not fun! Just breathe, remind yourself that you are doing fine, the kids are fine, alive and all is well. I have bad moments/days but it's rarely a bad week and I try to find the positive in it somewhere.

Good Luck!!