Watching everyone?

[Peacefulbird]

I just opened 5 months ago, I have 2 19 mth olds, 1 2 year old and 1 3 yr old... i am finding it hard to always be watching them, like I watch one then another is getting into trouble, or if I’m playing with 2 of them and the other two are playing on the other side of the room all of a sudden there is crying because of who knows why because I didn’t see. So then I’m left not knowing how to react to the situation because I don’t know exactly what happened. Obviously 3 of them don’t talk yet so that makes it tricky. But is this common?

No absolutely not, supervision is a must at all the times. Even if they're independent but basically you have to know what they're doing.

Same as Suzie_Homemaker said, I have been paid for my responsibility to supervise (guide and take care). I'm not being paid to do my housework. It is part of our professional ethics to care for the children supervising them properly, my setting is a full space just for my group and I have absolutely everything there so I do not have to leave them unattended.

Food and snacks are ready in my little fridge, ready to warm and serve. While I heat the food we have a little hand washing station close to it. So it goes 1. Hand wash, 2 bibs on, 3 trays and food. We all work together.

I have a clear corner where they can play with blocks while the slow eating children finish their lunch so, I still keep an eye on all of them.

Older ones go one by one to the bathroom if they really need to (that way they do not get distracted or get into mischief), other ways we all go together after lunch even the babies. We all wash off and get ready for nap. If something happens let's say someone push to a friend or pulled a toy or bite or fell by loosing their balance I have to be able to tell the parents how and when it happened and only the truth. My group of parents know that I'm trustworthy I'll tell as it is. Ex. Fell from a playstructure from the 3th step hitting his head. (I usually say to be aware if the child cries or complaints perhaps they need to go to see a doctor, the injury could be more serious internally than it seemed externally); that's one of the reasons I tell parents that for me it is important to report all these little injuries; obviously I cannot be behind each child hovering but things happen it is part of developing and growing, but at least I was able to report it as it happened.

Oh, another thing that I forgot to mention my husband and parents know I do not distract myself with cell phone or texting etc. The children deserve my total attention and communication, I am being payed for that. So texts, calls, etc. Are checked either before my starting time or during nap time or after my work is done never in between.

Parents in my group respect my reasons as I do respect theirs.

Some have older children and they need to check their phone that's also ok. In my case I think that even in the event of something seriously happening, I'm the position of being responsible first for my group and then deal with everything else. I have 6 in my care two 18 months, two 2 and a half and 2 over three (5 boys 1 girl); and parents still wondering how we do it. Well, I always say, a lot attention, observation, positive guidance and role modeling.

When children feel you're there for them they behave positively, when children notice your attention is not there with them then they will make sure to call your attention somehow (positively or negatively). Give them your attention and you'll gain their trust.

Just try to keep it as a group. Lock your doors if you have to, and move on together through your activities, it helps, even at playgroups my groups stays together and they care for each other.