Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, stuck, impatient - need advice

[Peacefulbird]

Wow!! It seems winter blues is striking again. But, maybe you're burned out which is very common in our field.

I used to feel just like that too. So, I really had to sit and give myself time to really decide what I wanted to do. Yes, I do understand that you might be missing things going on in your own children's lives but, I think everyone is in the same situation unless you decide to just stay at home mom and be only with your children while you study, I did homedaycare and studied and being also a mom was hard. My husband helped a lot.

I searched for jobs that can pay reasonable and allow me to be at least few days off, well those are also hard to find. I went to replace a friend at her work for almost two months and definitely everyday I missed my home and my group of kids all their little laughs and hugs and also the awful days. Thanks God I had that chance to really value what I had.

I have learned that my personal happiness wasn't out there, my personal happiness was inside me, every day sharing my life with my little ones and their families. My family too missed me those days when I was working outside. The house was empty when they came back from school. It was an eye opening for me and them.

What I can recommend is:

Do not stress out or put to much pressure on yourself. Children learn yes but not because we produce elaborated curriculums or trying to help them by teaching them academics, we have to first help them grow to be confident and to know their own strengths.

Try to challenge yourself on how to make easier your work. I have a friend that cooking isn't her strength so, she gets food that is ready to warm and serve.

Another one couldn't deal with tidying up, she gets a cleaning lady every two weeks. And she is happy. In my case I just decided to throw my overflowing toys and that did the trick, I taught children to tidy before snacks and before getting ready to go home. (It works amazingly for me, that way I only disinfect mouthed toys or fix things around or prepare next day activities, the children have learneD to tidy up also at their homes).

Our jobs are isolating but try to connect with others in your area. We can get through this.

It must be hard not to be able to enjoy your own furniture but also you can get ideas for creating just a space dedicated for your group.pinterest.com has dreamfull ideas.

Messy lunches, not anymore here, I use trays so each one has their own and any spillage stays in the tray. I have also created a little handwashing station so it is easy to clean little hands and faces after craft, arts and lunch time.

Once you have all working as you wish your job will be easier and more enjoyable. I dance a lot with the kids during winter. I really enjoy their company and parents can see that. Everyday, I take it as a new challenge for my group and me and I find ways to make as happy and funny for every one.

Put this in your mind: " children just need love and patience "; they're forgiven you can make them happy with the most little things in life. Even just a hug helps them.

I do not spend my time shopping or looking for the next big thing to keep them busy (instead I use that time to relax to take a nice warm bath, read, light a scented candle and think positively or just to sit or reflect or go to sleep earlier), here is simple, I recycle a lot we do arts and crafts twice or three times a day during winter time and when we cannot go outside. My arts or crafts is mostly focused on process not product so I take pictures of those for parents to see.

Check in pinterest you'll get ideas on how to keep children really engaged it is amazing I got done few ocupational activities and they get really quiet when they work on those. Giving you a little break here and there.

I have six boys in my care. And they work really hard to get their little projects done. We go outside even for 20 min. It does a huge difference in our days.

And when you see your program running smoother, then step back and think if this field isn't really your path. By then at least you can say you've did your best but, you must move on.

I hope it helps.