Some Advice Please!

**LexTysMommy** · 08-14-2007, 03:52 PM

To start out I am a licensed daycare provider in Wisconsin. That means I am able to watch 8 kids from age 5 weeks to 12 years old. I have been doing this for about 7 years and love it! My schedule in summer has 1/2 school aged kids and 1/2 one year old-4 years old. And with school starting I will be having openings.
In the past I never took a child under the age of 1! (Just for my sanity I think) Well my daughter will be turning 5 in September and I got her tested to start full day Kindergarten so I decided to take one baby. I got my friends friend who starts on September 6th from 7am-430pm Monday, Thursday, Friday. She will be 2 months old when she starts!!
So schedule looks like this:
3yr old M-F 6-4
4yr old M-Th 6-1
3yr old Tu,W,F 7-12
2yr old M-F 6-4 (3days a wk mixed schedule)
2mo old M,Th,F 7-430

Then I go get my kids from school at 3pm and that is a 9yr old & 5yr old.

Ok advice needed here:
I got another call from a mom with a 7 month old baby who needs care M,W,F 7-5. Do you think I'd be pushing my luck going from no babies to taking 2 babies & would go crazy?! I have the items needed for both babies. Bouncy seat, play pens, high chairs, etc. And no other calls for daycare as of now. Or should I hold out for older kids?
I know its my decision..just looking for advice.

**Jskell911** · 08-14-2007, 03:56 PM

Personally, as the mom of an only (and a 10 yr old one at that!) there is no way I could handle two babies with all the rest. BUT you know your limitations far better than we would.

**baxjul** · 08-14-2007, 04:16 PM

I would take the two babies. I used to babysit in PA and had about the same as you, with two small babies also. It worked out fine. I'm going to start my own daycare here also! Now that I'm not working.

**FrugalMomof3** · 08-14-2007, 04:23 PM

I would take the 2 babies, I am sure they will nap alot as well and it would give you alot more experience with 2 babies at once. PLUS you have all the stuff needed so I would give it a try.

**Libby** · 08-14-2007, 06:31 PM

I would try it. You've raised your own children plus others - so how hard can it be? But Id tell that new babys parents that its on a trial basis to see if you can handle and adjust to it and try to assure them that you prob can but just want to leave an 'out' just in case. Maybe you'll just asorb everything and be a whiz at it or find that you truly can only handle only one right now.

At least you'd be making $$ while trying and no one's in the dark about anything and the parents would have some relief knowing their baby is being well cared for with a potential of a long term caregiver in the making.

Try it - you may just like it!

Let us know how it goes.

**Mom23boys** · 08-14-2007, 07:25 PM

You could try it on a trial basis. If it doesn't work out, you can always give the parents plenty of notice so that they have time to find another provider.

**lullaby80** · 08-14-2007, 08:37 PM

I'd do it but make sure you have a baby carrier, makes things a LOT easier.

Good luck!

**LexTysMommy** · 08-15-2007, 09:37 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will set up an interview and meet with her now. 7 months is alot different then a 2 month old. And I think I would actually enjoy having the younger "crowd" here after this summer with alot of older kids.

I think the fact that they arent both fulltime is a plus in my mind. So Mondays and Fridays will be the only busy busy days and that gives me a break between days!

Thanks again!

**Buckeye5** · 08-15-2007, 10:44 AM

Gobd bless people like you!! I myself wouldn't do it, but that is just me. SO, I would do what some others here have said, tell her it is on a trial basis. This leaves you with options. Also, maybe do it a day less or something. GOod luck with whatever you decide.