Our daughter is 19 months old, really laid back and friendly. I'm a stay at home mom. My husbands co-worker has to change shifts for a short period of time and would need someone to watch his 1 year old boy. I would be paid of course. I love children and have even been itching for a second child. But two toddlers at once... hmmm... I used to do daycare for CARDV(center against rape and domestic violence) so I am used to caring for several (often disturbed) chidren at once. But of course, never in my own home, and never with my own child. Does anyone out there who has experience in similar situations have any advice on how to keep things organized, keep my sanity, and just what it is like? Any pointers are welcome. Thankyou so much.
2006-10-12 20:24:05 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My son's grandmother runs a very small (3 child) daycare out of her home. My son is there in addition to the other three children (age ranges 1 year to 2.5 years) two days a week. She loves it. I've had to take over for her on occasion, and she has several excellent innovations to make things easy.
But, then again, she has the advantage of dedicated a very large room downstairs to her daycare. It's like a den, so she does spend time in there as well.
I find the social interaction for my son beneficial, but there were some initial problems that had to be dealt with because of the fact that she is "Miss Rosa" and "Memaw." He was at first very competitive for her attention, even possessive at times, but within a few weeks, he did a complete 180. She has been very fair and unbiased, giving attention to each child individually. I imagine that would be less of a problem for you since you would spend more time with your daughter outside of the "child care" setting; she wouldn't feel threatened.
As far as organization goes, Miss Rosa has gates up preventing any of the children access to any room besides the bathroom and the play room. She now has enough highchairs for everyone, but when she didn't (she only had 2 kids at the time), it was no problem to switch back and forth. She'd prepare both meals at once.
The children's things are stored in labeled containers. Blankets are sent home once a week to be washed (on Friday) and her rule is to only have enough diapers for 1 week at a time (easier for storage). Personal items (pacifiers, cups, etc) are kept in labelled Ziploc bags so that they don't get mixed up when not in use.
As far as your sanity, it's not as bad as you might think. It's relatively easy to just change one more diaper, prepare one extra plate, etc. Try to synchronize these things to make it seem like you're not doing double-duty. You might set a time to read, for example, a time to play, a time to watch a little TV (if that's something you and the other parents are comfortable with-some aren't). With enough structure you won't feel like you're running around in chaos. And it doesn't take long for toddlers to get used to such a routine, even if one is your own child.
Be sure to set the same boundaries for each child; yours is around the age where they have a concept of what's fair and what's not. Make sure there are plenty of toys to play with in an area so that they're not so bored that they want to follow you around or compete for your attention while you're trying to clean up after meals, for example. You might enlist your child as an entertainer for the younger; that's been really effective in my son's case.
*lol* I should have just told you to email me. I can think of lots of stuff, but I'd better stop. I will say that child care in the home, in my experience and in my MIL's experience, is very rewarding and provides plenty of positive experiences.
2006-10-12 20:52:11 · answer #1 · answered by unchained melody 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you think you can handle it, then go for it. Sounds like they are really in a bind and need your help. My daughter will be 2 in Feb. and I'm actually looking around to see if anyone wants to pull their toddler out of daycare so I can watch them. It would good for my daughter to have some interaction with another child during the day. Besides, they would definitely keep each other entertained.
2006-10-13 12:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say go for it. You just have to set the rules with the parents, as to how you'll be disciplining if something should arise, and do with that child the same as you do your own daughter. Like you said it, isn't permanent, so, it would give you the opportunity to see if it'll work out and if you want to do this more in the future.
As others have said, the children will play off of each other as well. That helps alot too.
2006-10-13 03:39:51 · answer #3 · answered by colleend01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 3 year old daughter and a nephew who is 1month younger than she is. I have kept these two together from time to time and it is hard. My daughter is a easy going kid and my nephew is very rambunctious. He can be very mean to my daughter and I have no problem correcting him or punishing him. His mom and dad know that if I am caring for him I will treat him as though he were my own child. You will not have that luxury unless the parents tell you that you may correct or punish him as you see fit. All I can say good luck and bless you for what you are thinking of taking on.
2006-10-13 07:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by kajunmommie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you could easily do it if and only if your child is used to not being the center of your attention all the time. Can you listen to her cry and not go running b/c you are dealing with another child. Also is it going to be easy for you to handle the fact that your child may become more attached to you b/c you will be dividing your time with her? I think very doable esp.considering your background.
2006-10-13 11:12:31 · answer #5 · answered by Tetsi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have just opened a daycare in my home, and I have two children of my own. On one hand it has been wonderful for my kids, but one hint would to make sure your daughter has some "special" toys of her own, that she has to leave in her room, and that the other child cannot play with unless she brings it out of her room. I have learned that my children don't like to share all their toys, they like to have their "special" toys, and if they want to play with them while the other chidlren are here, they have to play in their rooms, or they can bring the toys out, but then they have to share with the other children. It can be hard, cause they are toddlers, but to me it is very rewarding. Good Luck!!
2006-10-13 09:58:17 · answer #6 · answered by mommiex2&daycareprovider 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two toddlers together can be a handful, no doubt. But, at their young ages, it should be fun for them to have someone to play with, and they can draw, play with blocks, soft toys, even some very easy video type games (like Elmo or Pooh or something like that), and even be entertained with some simple cartoon type videos. And, of course, the parent's best tool for toddlerhood--naps!
2006-10-13 06:42:57 · answer #7 · answered by Mudcat007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I may sound pesimistic , but i first worry about safety and liability in caring for someone elses child in my home. Dont know if you are required to have a day care license. i worry about lawsuits . and what if this persons schedule doesnt change back after a short period of time.....?
2006-10-13 03:40:32 · answer #8 · answered by Barbara M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you should do it.
1. you will get a little extra cash.
2. it will help your toddler interact with another child since she is there alone all day with no children to play with.
2006-10-13 12:15:01 · answer #9 · answered by green eyes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think that u should do it ... i mean it cant do any harm... they will learn to be friends... it could be a good thing .. for them to have someone to play with or w/e .... i personaly love kids. . i think its because i grew up with tonzz.. my mom babysat in our home .. and i really grew to like it .. at first i hated haveing to share everything but i got used to it .. i am actually still friends will all the people that my mom babysat.. they are actualy some of my best friends.. im glad my mom babysat
2006-10-13 03:28:03 · answer #10 · answered by InSaNe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋