Does it get better?

[Samantha33]

Organization is big. Crafts need to be ready to do when it's time. I found this out the hard way. I tried preparing 10 min. before we were to do the craft but it would take me 45-1hr. to do it with all the interruptions. Having everything where you can reach it easily. It isn't an easy job. Certainly not everyone is suited to deal crying, fighting, upteam diaper changes etc. In my opinion things do get better. Much better. If you are suited. Good luck. I'm sure the other girls will have more input than I do.

[AmandaKDT]

Organization is big. Crafts need to be ready to do when it's time. I found this out the hard way. I tried preparing 10 min. before we were to do the craft but it would take me 45-1hr. to do it with all the interruptions. Having everything where you can reach it easily. It isn't an easy job. Certainly not everyone is suited to deal crying, fighting, upteam diaper changes etc. In my opinion things do get better. Much better. If you are suited. Good luck. I'm sure the other girls will have more input than I do.

Yes, and I don't do anything that takes longer than about 10 minutes to prep uninterrupted, all that work just to have them either not care or not finish isn't worth it.

My first thought was also that you took on a full group really fast. I wonder if that is part of it. I also took on each of mine gradually, about 2 months between each new addition. Gave me time to get used to the additional child, before another one started.

[gravy_train]

Also I find just making connections with other adults throughout the day is really helpful because I don't feel as alone - go on facebook and chat with someone when the kids are napping or come on here and connect with us :-).

[Spixie33]

That's great advice about not taking on too many kids at once. I did three kids for my first two years. Then I added a fourth. Then another 9 months went by before I added a 5th.

It is a big difference even between 4 and 5 kids

I also suggest making friends with another dcp and go for walks together in the morning or meet at the park....that sort of interaction will go a long way towards saving your sanity and making you feel refreshed