Have you ever had one of those days? The kids were whiny or wound up all day, the baby wouldn’t nap, the kids were all on different schedules, and you are tired because you were up until 11:30 the night before trying to catch up on laundry, and then needed time to relax before going to bed? Only it doesn’t seem to be just one day – it’s all the time!

I don’t need to tell you the signs of burnout. You aren’t satisfied with your daycare or your home life because neither is running smoothly. You spin your wheels doing the same things every day, never having time to get to those other tasks that also need your attention. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.

But what can you do? Do the BOP! Balance, Organization, and Preparation. You must achieve a balance between home and work life, you must get and stay organized, and you MUST be prepared to take care of yourself and your family. Remember, you chose this profession so you could be home. This is the most important reason to get things under control.

If you resent the low pay and the number of kids you have to care for in order to make a living, it’s time to review your rates. Make sure you are being paid enough so that you don’t have to take large numbers of children. You are worth it. Quality child care is hard to find.

Take a look at the hours you spend watching kids. How many other jobs do you know of that require 10-12 hour days with another one or two on top of that? Set your hours from 8-5 - a “normal” work day. Granted, you will have additional time behind the scenes cleaning, preparing activities, etc. But you won’t be as stressed as if you were watching kids for 12 hours first.

Do you resent the parents that bring their child to daycare, but then inform you they are heading back home to get some rest because they are sick? I don’t know of any providers having this luxury. Then look into trading or hiring some help. Take a day off if you are sick!

Guilt can play a big part in feeling burned out. Do you feel guilty asking for time off because your parents don’t have a backup provider - even though you’ve suggested it several times? But since it puts them in a bind, you don’t ask. But know what? If they don’t have a backup, it’s not your fault. In the long run, what will make you feel more guilty and stressed out? Not taking the time for a doctor’s appointment or attending your kids’ field trips - or making your parents realize that it’s not your fault if they don’t have a backup? The fact is that you need time for your family.

Be creative. Schedule the first Monday or Friday of each month as your day off to volunteer at school, run errands, schedule a hair appointment, or just loaf around the house. When’s the last time you spent on a hobby or read a book? Tell your parents it’s their opportunity to schedule time with their backup provider so the children will stay familiar with their backup caregivers.

Give yourself some benefits. Make sure you are getting paid holidays. You deserve the regular perks that others receive in their jobs.

Balance your work so you are not overworked.

Are you too busy with feedings and changings to make sure that the kids are occupied? Are transition times less than satisfactory because the kids won’t stop playing or running around just because the clock says it’s naptime? Then make sure you have plenty of age-appropriate activities so that while you’re busy with one matter, the kids are self-entertained. Buy a book or attend a seminar on transition times to help ease the tension in moving from one activity to another.

Don’t know what to feed the kids every day for lunch? Then make out a weekly menu or a six-week cycle type of menu. Do your grocery shopping based on the menus so you’ll have ingredients on hand. By organizing or even cooking the night before, a quick reheat may be all you need. This cuts down on preparation time and you can organize your day better.

Do you face an endless load of laundry every week? Then do a load every day. Sure, no one looks forward to always doing laundry. But by doing one load a day and putting away a small basketful, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and at least keep your family in underwear and socks!

The kids never seem to have anything to do even though there’s a toybox full of toys? Then take the time to organize some activities or incorporate themes into your daycare. Coloring, music, videos, etc. can all be found relating to a particular theme, plus be educational.

Figure out what isn’t working and brainstorm some solutions. You might be surprised at how one little change can effect the whole day.

What about your own kids? Do you have set homework schedules? Chores for them to accomplish? Have every member of your family be a productive part of your family. No one says you have to do it all. If the kids get out toys, make sure they – not you – put them away. If they make a snack and leave dishes out, have them clean it up. Organize your household so that it runs smoothly. The kids may balk at first if they aren’t used to doing chores, but they will soon feel a sense of accomplishment if they have their own tasks to do.

Prepare to take care of YOU. Ya, right. How many of us take the time to get out and do something for ourselves? The most some of us do is plan a night of grocery shopping without taking our own kids. Not exactly the kind of break I’m talking about.

Try trading babysitting once a month with another friend with similar aged-children. You don’t have to pay a babysitter, thereby saving money. Saturday night from 5-9 is enough time to take in an early movie or have a nice relaxing dinner with your spouse or friends. You’d be surprised at how often once a month rolls around when you’re not used to getting out at all!

Hire a babysitter. Your kids might welcome a break from you, and you will feel refreshed if you do something you like once in awhile. Money tight? Go browsing in a bookstore or the library. Take your spouse out for dessert and coffee. Walk through the park. There are lots of creative ways to spend your time without emptying your bank account. Get an early start on Christmas shopping or get gift ideas by cruising the mall. Do whatever you find relaxing that you don’t seem to do often.

Join an association or set up a network of other providers to talk to. Sometimes it helps just to vent or run ideas past them. You are not alone. This should not be an isolating business. Arrange playdates at the library or McDonald’s. It gives you some adult conversation and gives the kids new experiences.

Remember, burnout is often caused by feeling that things are overwhelming and out of your control. Take that control back by realizing that you can make changes. Incorporate whatever you can in small increments or as they arise. Remind yourself that it always seems greener on the other side of the fence. If you work outside the home, you wish you were at home. Being home, you wondered why you quit work. List your priorities, and focus on what’s important to you, your family, and your business. You may find a fresh sense of renewed energy. Who says things have to stay the same? Change is good. Change is needed. Do it and don’t feel guilty!