Tricks for Surviving Mondays?

[torontokids]

I don't know about you but Mondays are always difficult for my daycare. It seems it doesn't matter how much planning I do (so I'm available for the kids if needed), how much rest I get, what cool thing I plan...Mondays always suck. I know the kids are adjusting back to the daycare schedule, being away from mom and dad etc but it seems crazy to me just how "off" they all are. Today was especially bad. The kids forgot how to play and were continuously at my ankles, trying to climb in my lap, crying. My "handful" cried the whole morning except for the times I held him. Every kid except one really struggled with getting ready to go outside and there were lot's of tears. The parents all noted this morning that their kids were all fussy/cranky this weekend as well. Early nap today for us so we will see how they do this afternoon. Any tips to make Mondays more enjoyable? I was near tears today and I am a pretty patient person!

[Fun&care]

I find Mondays suck too...I don't know that there is a cure either I know for one thing that some parents have admitted their kids don't nap or nap less on weekends because they are so busy so obviously that doesn't help at all but I find my crew is still fairly manageable.

EXCEPT ONE. My "handful" 's mom is on mat leave right now so he only comes Monday because I have another family on a 4 days/ week schedule. The last couple of times have been awful. He has always been difficult- he doesn't even play, he just stands there holding a toy or blankie and often times will burst into tears for no reason. He cried most of this morning. I have actually seriously considered terming this kid as he has been with me for over a year and still just doesn't seem adjusted. I am going to phone mom in the next hour and let her know we need a break. I am just not able to watch him anymore but I might give it another shot next sept when he and his little bro and supposed to be back. Im hoping by then he will have matured a bit, well hopefully a lot!...fingers crossed!

So moving forward my Mondays should be a bit better!

[5 Little Monkeys]

I normally don't find Mondays too bad ( well other than the fact that I'd like another day off lol) I find the kids are usually excited to be back and have missed their friends and are ready to play. I do most of my weekly food prep on Sundays and Monday morning. Than I'll prep some art stuff for the week in the afternoon. The odd time a child or 2 will be tired from a busy weekend but usually nothing too bad.

Today however, has been hell!!!! OMG lol. 3 out 4 are whiny and tired, I've listened to crying almost all morning from someone, sometimes 3 at once, all 4 aren't listening as well as they normally do, 1 is playing dumb(I don't mean for that to sound as harsh as it does!) anytime I ask him to do something. Only one ate lunch well so probably some hungry tummies come snack. Thank goodness the 3 fell asleep quick, my handful sleeps by himself and likely won't nap but whatever, he lays in his playpen nice at least. I have such a headache and am exhausted lol

I have one child who cries ANY time another does. It's a very whiny cry and is driving me nuts!! Ignoring it, making him play, putting him in another area of the room and putting him in the hallway until he stops crying has not worked. He's a very empathetic child I guess? I can't listen to it anymore though....any suggestions?!?

Oh and ps, it's cyber Monday...online shopping has been my saving grace LOL

[Busy ECE mommy]

My crew is terrible on Monday's too! I find that the parents most often don't get them to nap on the weekends(even the 1 yr olds yikes)so I get the delight of overtired and cranky kids-lucky me LOL

[bright sparks]

I find that Mondays are hit and miss but rarely that big of an issue. I stick to my schedule but allow for more of a free play morning and if the group is tired or cranky, then we have an early lunch and early to nap. Never really a huge issue.

I had a terrific day today starting with one parent bringing me a "super tea" concoction and a jar of home made vicks and another who brought me a pound of starbucks coffee Mmmm
Following that, I decorated the daycare room with all the little ones and before I knew it, it was 11am. Everyone was tired but not cranky so the morning went smoothly and everyone slept a good 3 hours because they had some catching up on sleep to do, so all around a really great start to the week. Tomorrow will probably be a disaster now lol