I need a job. But I don't want to leave my house.
Does my entire life consist of catch-22's? Don't answer that.
I've found what seems like a perfectly acceptable option: starting an in-home daycare. Unfortunately, it's going to have to be in MY house but we can't always get everything we want, now can we? The military has an amazing training program for home daycare providers. The training, toys, and equipment- all free. You get enrolled in a state nutrition program that provides chow for all the kiddos (including my own kid, and that my friends is worth it's weight in freakin GOLD).
So all in all, this daycare thing sounds pretty good. I'll have a reason to get my lazy butt up in the morning, my kiddo will have playmates. Weekends, holidays, and military holidays would be days off.
Does it sound like I'm trying too hard to talk myself into this?
I like kids, I really do. I just don't like punk-ass little kids who whine and cry above and beyond the call of duty. Nothing some time in the corner wouldn't cure but STILL. What if I start up this thing and wind up with a punk-ass kid? Sigh. I guess I'll just have to throw caution to the wind and take my chances.
And then there's the money. I would be able to earn up to two grand a month (gross) watching six kids (which is the program limit, mine included) five days a week. The extra money would be fantabulous; I'd be able to
So what do ya'll think? Should I go ahead with this plan? Is there anything ya'll think I haven't considered yet? (By the way, my hubby does approve of said home-based business. As long as HE doesn't have to change any diapers, he's game. Freakin man.)
7 comments:
Girl, I have thought about the same exact thing. I have crap for patience. I think it's a great idea, but be prepared for a whiner. I would totally research mommy blogs for advice on how to handle whiners, biters, and fighters ahead of time. Maybe even have a "policy" for parents to sign up front so they know ahead of time that if their kid does anything like that excessively, they're out. My sister did daycare for a long time and also had parents sign in and out with the times listed. This way she had record of any kids whose parents were trying to get free overtime care. You have my utmost respect for doing this... I would go nuts!
My mom did this when my niece was very young.. She loved it and did the same programs you talk about. You have to watch out for the whinning parents... The kids were fine, but the parents were a pain. You have to be willing to kick them out if they don't pay. You have to make sure they pick up the kids on time. My mom had one parent that was always late, so you have to make sure you charge them for being late.
Just do the research and good luck.. I like kids but could never do what you are willing to do...
Good luck!
Hi.
Just passing by via SITS to say hello! :)
I did this for a while and the kids were great! As long as you set ground rules and stick by them with the kids they are ok. I never had a problem with them BUT the parents were a whole other ball game!! I didn't have a contract (BIG MISTAKE!) and one family was constantly late, one time they came at 7 pm and didn't see a problem with that, I tried calling them and no one answered either. Because I didn't have a contract with the dates I wanted off that same family wanted me to work holidays. I wasn't doing anything on one holiday and said I would do it for double the pay, they weren't happy but they didn't want to have the children home they wanted to run errands, great parents! I think as long as you have a contract that is VERY specific you should be fine, make sure to put in there late fees for payments and fees for picking up late, make both of these strong and people won't want to break them. Let everyone know that you need family time also and most people will understand this. Sorry this is so long :) Good luck!! I would still be doing this if I hadn't moved out of the country!
Over from SITS.
Sounds like you have a big decision to make. Take your time and think it all through. The right choice will be there!
DUUUUDE. Totally do it!
You know with $2k a month you could stimulate the economy. And isnt that our duty as Americans?
Jackie, if you can do it, then do! But a bit of tax advice: you need to make estimated self-employment tax payments throughout the year, or you're going to get sticker-shock come income tax time! Trust me! (Did my SIL's taxes for the 2 years she ran a home daycare, had to really work the numbers on her expenses to minimize her income)
That said, buy the freaking shoes! Don't know if you like what I do, but I love www.urbanog.com for shoes!
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