May have bitten off more then I can chew!! Any sugestions

[Lee-Bee]

It will be tough for a bit but will get better as you fall into a routine.

I have 4 right now ages 12,12,12,15 months. I opened in January and staggered their start dates, with the last starting 3 weeks ago (we have another one starting in april at 12months). Now our days run smoothly and calmly with minimal tears. They keep each other busy and they already know the routine.

Yours are spread out more age wise so it will be tougher. In the beginning I had them napping on demand but I was going bonkers with no break at all. I now have them overlapping naps, some take two 2hr naps some take two 45min naps. I do 2 naps for all as they are not quite ready for one nap (way to whiny). This gives me at least two 45ish minute breaks where I collapse on the couch.

I am starting to be more efficient. I will soon be doing the cleaning and meal prep during their nap times. I clean up at the end of the day before the last one leaves so I have less to do at the end of the day.

Most importantly I sit on the floor while they play and I chill. They come to me when they need hugs. I don't carry them, if they need affection they sit on my lap.

If will be tough and you'll second guess yourself but it will all fall into place and things will get easier.

[MonkeyPrincess]

Wow, 3 12 month olds and a 15 month old? That's quite busy eh? I have never had that many young ones at one time- I know i couldn't do that, so for those of you who have a few really young ones, good on ya! I remember how hard it was for me when i had 3 under 2. It was nuts for me. I have to take my son to the bus 2x a day, i couldn't handle that many small kids. Mine now are all spread apart, I have a 21 month old, 2 year old, 2.5 yr old (who are all part time and spread out over the week), my own 3 yr old, 3.5 yr old and my own 6.5yr old. When my 2 3 yr olds start school in september, my 2.5 yr old will be 3 and will become full time with her baby sister who will be 11 mos and start in September.

I know i run my daycare differently from some of you ladies. I do the school run because i want to be able to take my kids to the school bus. Because of that also accept children before and after school. I know some of you only take the kids until they go to school and therefore don't take school aged kids.