Tips on avoiding burnout

Being a caregiver can take it's toll on Childcare Providers. Here are some tips and some great advice from Childcare Providers in our Pre-K Fun Facebook Community to help you be kind to yourself and avoid burnout.

Advice from Childcare Providers for Childcare Providers on: Avoiding Burnout!

• Attend training! That is a sure way to help you remember why you got into this business and get a different mindset to continue in! -Kay M.
  

• Go to the library and check out some teacher resource books that always gives my brain a jump start! -Renee C.
  

• Take the vacation days you have and don't feel guilty about it! Take a "me " day once in a while to do whatever helps you relax. For me it's going to the salon to get my hair done and sitting outside (if the weather is nice) with a good book. -Miranda F.
  

• Find great groups on Facebook. I have been renewed by seeing what others are doing with their spaces and the activities they do with their kids. -Stacy S.
  

• Training--but not the same old classes-- New and fresh ideas can keep me going a long time! I also say- taking time off. Even if its just a Friday or Monday to give you a long weekend--that helps me so much! I do it about once every 3 or 4 months- with plenty of notice--and I try NOT to do anything DC related when I do. -Sherry W.
  

• Monthly provider support group. Networking with other providers to discuss issues with children in our program, business issues, parents. Referring slot openings. It is very professional. It took awhile to find a group I could feel comfortable with. But it is so important to have that outlet. -Michelle G.
  

• Laugh everyday, take care of you first, take "me" time whenever you need it, take a vacation for as long as you need, don't be taken advantage of by your families, and last but not least, learn to say no. I've been running my own small day care for over 31 years. I still love my job. -Nancy D.

• Massage! Dinner Out! Movies! -Kathy M.

• I rotate my preschool space layout every few months. Join a local support group of providers. We have one here and have get-togethers. Close for EVERY HOLIDAY. You deserve it-and take it as paid! Take a vacation every year. Even if you don't go any where, close down. I take 2 weeks every year and it is paid. Change up your daily routine. Kids get tired of the same stuff just like you do. Take field trips, get out of the house. We go to the zoo and to Sea World every yr. On random days that my numbers are low we will go to the park. Have a potluck lunch. Have every child bring something. This will give you a break on lunch one day. -Elyna W.
  

• Hobbies, scrapbooking, stamping, quilting. Sometimes it has to be about ME, ME TIME! -Louise H.
  

• Talking to other providers in online forums. Also, I don't do anything daycare besides shop, on the weekends or on my days off. I also try to get out a few times a month with just adults. (I have 3 kids of my own) -Melissa D.
  

• Have fun! You don't need to be superwoman all of the time, if you're having an off day, throw in a movie or get out the play doh. Take time for yourself and do something relaxing. Take a day off now and then. -Kathy B.
  

• I think the important part is to do what you enjoy. One person's joy is not another person's, necessarily. Taking time to get away from your business, at times. Or other times, immersing yourself in it. Also, remember there are seasons when different feelings arise, and let yourself feel those and try to sort them out. -Michelle B.
  

• Talking to other providers helps me. -Susan B.
  

• Get things ready ahead of time for your day. Prep meals, artwork, curriculum, and anything else planned to do the next day. Everything's ready to go to make things less stressful, keep kids entertained and busy, and make your day go faster. -Julie K.
  

• I think burnout is a part of every job, even if you generally like it. When I get to that point, I sometimes think of other jobs I'd like to do and even search through some want ads. I end up realizing how lucky I am to work from my home, make as much or more than I would working for someone else, and have the freedom and flexibility to make my business what I want it to be. Plus, no commuting and saving money by being able to claim a portion of many of my home costs (utilities/repairs, etc.). Mostly, working with children at a  time in their lives when life is fun and full of joy - giggles and hugs are an extra benefit. I usually start the next week feeling great about what I do. - Darlene G.
  

• I only have teachers children , therefore I work the school year only and I get a lot of breaks! Of course that isn't an option for many so I would say to take workshops, meet other family childcare providers, join in discussions like this, if you need a long weekend then let parents know- they will find alternate care for one day no matter how much they beg you not to close! -Carla L.
  

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