Days off/Holidays

[kindredspirit]

I feel guilty taking time off when I know my families don't have back up care (2 have no family in the area, have to call in sick or find a last minute sitter). I do keep it minimal, and I don't charge for my vacation or sickness (as they need to pay another provider on those days). I'm taking 2 weeks vacation this summer, and one of the families communicated with me in advance so she could book the same weeks off work. The other families got over a month notice, but still a terse "yes, I saw" from one when I asked if they got my note about vacation (also included other summer notices and reminders, like packing hats and the BBQs I host).

Ultimately, as said by someone else already, if we don't take the time we need, we burn out. I was actually angry at a toddler the other day (I checked my response, kept a calm tone, but I was bewildered to notice I was angry dealing with a tiny person who didn't mean any harm). I very clearly need my 2 weeks!