I've been in this business for over 20 years and I see lots of people struggle this time of year. It's hard in the colder months when there's less outside time.

For me, I've found that switching it up and keeping the children busy is the key. No more than an hour of any one activity including free play.

I will say if you are getting a bit lax and justifying that to yourself as "what do they expect for $3.50.." you're probably getting to the end of your time in this business.

If you have three day care children and are getting $3.50 x 3 then that's about min wage in most provinces before you have the expenses that go with providing care too. Maybe it's time for you to think about getting a part time job outside the home during school hours so you can still be home for your own children. Even a little job in Tim Horton's would likely pay min wage but you'd get some adult interaction too.

For me, I find that you either have to fully embrace this business including the pay and the challenging children or the resentment will build and build and you'll never fall back in love with this career again. For some people, it's only ever meant to be a short term solutions and that's okay too.