daycare providers -- how do you do it?

[keysersoze]

This is my fourth week watching my almost 3 month old nephew 10 hours a day, 4 days a week (for free), and I feel like I spend all my time tending to the nephew's needs, and have only two small windows of the day to focus on my three kids while the nephew is asleep. The whole reason my wife and i make sacrifices is so that i can be here with them, and i feel like i've barely seen them in three weeks. While my house is clean, I can't get to any organizing/decluttering projects, I no longer have any time at all to sit down during the day, etc. So, before I tell my brother that he either needs to pay me (so that at least I feel like there's a financial benefit to feeling like I'm spending all my time taking care of somebody else's kid), or find another care situation, are there any tips or tricks to share that make the transition of caring for a child who is not yours, easier?

[escapethevillage]

Well, I don't do it for free. That would be a lot harder to give up 10 hours a day for free.

BUT, I have a complete set up. I have a huge room dedicated to daycare, with big climbers, and tumbling mats etc. Then, I drag tables, art supplies, toys and more tumbling mats into the family room and kitchen, so the bigger kids have tons to do if i'm super busy.

Then, (and I swear, this is the only reason I'll take infants) I use baby carriers. I have slings, mei tais, Buckle ties, wraps.... and if I did not have those things, I wouldn't do it.

I've learned over time that Dr Brown's bottles are the spawn of Satan. I have never met so many babies with feeding problems until the Dr Brown's came out...now it takes forever to feed a baby, they are not relaxing while they eat, and it ends up being a stressful time. So, I will no longer accept an infant with the Dr Brown Bottles. People think they are great because it's the new popular thing.

I also put the infant down to sleep in a dark quiet room. Sleep begets sleep. If the child is not getting enough sleep, he or she will have more trouble sleeping all the time. They don't just become exhausted and sleep for four hours. They need to feel rested, fed, cared for, attached etc. When all of his or her needs are met the baby will start hanging out in a baby chair and watching all the fun. (but, they are still very hands on no matter what)

[doodah]

Originally Posted by escapethevillage Well, I don't do it for free. That would be a lot harder to give up 10 hours a day for free. BUT, I have a complete set up. I have a huge room dedicated to daycare, with big climbers, and tumbling mats etc. Then, I drag tables, art supplies, toys and more tumbling mats into the family room and kitchen, so the bigger kids have tons to do if i'm super busy. Then, (and I swear, this is the only reason I'll take infants) I use baby carriers. I have slings, mei tais, Buckle ties, wraps.... and if I did not have those things, I wouldn't do it. I've learned over time that Dr Brown's bottles are the spawn of Satan. I have never met so many babies with feeding problems until the Dr Brown's came out...now it takes forever to feed a baby, they are not relaxing while they eat, and it ends up being a stressful time. So, I will no longer accept an infant with the Dr Brown Bottles. People think they are great because it's the new popular thing. I also put the infant down to sleep in a dark quiet room. Sleep begets sleep. If the child is not getting enough sleep, he or she will have more trouble sleeping all the time. They don't just become exhausted and sleep for four hours. They need to feel rested, fed, cared for, attached etc. When all of his or her needs are met the baby will start hanging out in a baby chair and watching all the fun. (but, they are still very hands on no matter what)

agree with ALL of this, including the hatred of Dr Brown bottles LOL I dont wear daycare babies on a regular basis but I do have that option here. I also insist on a routine for baby with regular sleep. Up to about 4 months old, they should be sleeping a good part of the day anyway. OP, what is going on that you are having to do so much for this baby? For instance, I have my own 2 month here as a part of my daycare and he sleeps 6 or 7 hours of the 10 hour daycare day. He's really no trouble and that is the case with all the infants I care for, bio or not. at 4 or 6 months, they transition to two long naps a day, 2 to 3 hours each and again, its not a huge deal to have them in care. Once you get going with a routine and good sleep habits, that will make all the difference. I never watch kids for free though, not for family either.

[escapethevillage]

DP

[sojomisa]

dp

[sojomisa]

So I got to the free part and my head exploded. 40 hours a week for free? You're working a full time job for free. You are a saint.

I'm not a DCP but I will say that 3months is still very young. I think once the babe is 6 months or so and more mobile, can interact more, and sit up it will get better in terms of you not needing to be so hands on with that one child. You could use a bouncer, swing, exersaucer now in short bursts to give yourself a chance to interact with your own children more.

Good luck! I hope your brother appreciates your amazing generosity.

[keen1981]

I would charge. Even my sister. Charge at least $120

[escapethevillage]

May I ask why you are working a full time job for free? I'm not being snarky, I'm just wondering why your sister/brother/inlaws can't pay a daycare provider to do the job. It is a huge, hard job.

[d_arnold]

Originally Posted by escapethevillage May I ask why you are working a full time job for free? I'm not being snarky, I'm just wondering why your sister/brother/inlaws can't pay a daycare provider to do the job. It is a huge, hard job.

I agree. They should be paying you something.

[chillimom]

another recommendation for babywearing! The only way to still get things done when you have a little baby. Keeps the baby happy, keeps the parent happy, and is healthy for both to boot

And I think it's wonderful that you're helping your family out!