Two part rant :)

[Crayola kiddies]

Maybe instead of saying what's wrong or are you ok say... I'm sorry your having a bad day I'll help you get Johnny ready so you can get home and relax

[Lee-Bee]

Oh man! I wouldn't be able to handle all the crying moms!

I don't think it is mean of you to just want them to keep their emotions to themselves...you can only give so much and caring for 5 young children is incredibly emotionally draining the parents are hitting you at the end of the day and you haven't had a chance to recharge!

As nice and caring and sensitive as I am. I made a huge point of keeping my distance. My DCG's mom is very quick to attach I noted this from the start and made a point of keeping a very clear line of business with her. It is sad because I understand that it can be so isolating to have a toddler and working full time. BUT I need to keep my work separate. DCG's dad is "very sick" and hasn't worked since I met them 2yrs ago, has been hospitalized a few times etc. Mom would have given me the whole story when we met but I made a point of not allowing her to. I can't be drawn in emotionally. It is truly sad the stress mom is under when dad has periods where he is really sick but I can't be hearing the sob stories and being pressured to help out. I need to be able to close my door at the end of each day and not have to worry about them.

I don't know what to recommend now since you have already been so caring with them and they are so open with you. I would think it is worthwhile to find ways to slowly detach and distance yourself...especiall y with new families. You provide child care services for these families...you are not a therapist!! They need to pay double if that want that added service!