It's always uncomfortable when children stay for the full notice period after termination. I let a pair of siblings go this past winter for uncontrollable behaviour, all-day tantrums, hitting, screaming, etc, and the parents kept them in until the very last day they could.

Then again, the kids' behaviour didn't get any better in those last 2 weeks, so I didn't feel guilty that way, but I'm a people-pleaser and felt like I was admitting I had failed. Dad gave me the cold shoulder every day at pickup and made comments about how I was "obviously overwhelmed in this career" as if his childrens' behaviour was all my fault. It was terrible, and I spent most of that time questioning my decision even though the proof that I had made the right one was right on the floor in front of me, screaming their heads off because I made them put shoes on to go outside!

Don't beat yourself up! You are your own boss, and well within your rights to give notice if you feel it is necessary. The fact that you are feeling guilty means it took a lot to drive you to the decision in the first place (I hung on through 8 months of hell!) and it was the right one.

Those first few days after they leave feel like a dream...it will be worth it in the end.