I have been providing home daycare for nearly 4 years, since my son was 1. Well I have had the same crew and they have all grown up together, plus my 2 little ones also born into daycare land. One of whom is still an infant who wakes up throughout the night. So I have 5 dcks, and 3 of my own.
My main stress is that I do not get a break anymore.
The kids range from 4 months - 5.5yrs.
So of the 8 kids, only 3 of them nap. so I usually have 5 up all. freaking. day.
Their ages are: 3 yrs, 4yrs x 3 & 5.5yrs
I am so exhausted by the end of every day I am starting to lose it.
I so badly miss 'naptime'. When all the kids would sleep and I would get a couple hours of peace and quiet to myself and to my housework etc.
In Sept I am not planning on taking new kids just yet. I think I need to cool off and start fresh with a new group of infants/toddlers who nap so I can continue to enjoy what I do.
I know there are pros and cons of having mixed group or a group the same aged, what are your thoughts?