Mommy Daycare

As if I weren't strectched thin enough, I decided several weeks ago to start an in-home daycare to try to bring in a little extra money while still being able to stay home with the girls. Camryn was very excited to hear we were going to have a "school" in our home and wanted to know if I was going to wear "teacher clothes." I'm not really sure what she meant by that, but I informed her I would just wear my regular clothes.

I knew the whole idea was crazy and honestly was scared to death despite trying to convince myself this would help me get more organized in my time management, housekeeping, discipline, meal planning, etc. So, we moved Matt's office out to the RV to create a preschool room where our office was. We even tried putting both girls in one room so that we'd have all the toys in the other, but that only lasted about a week...

Somehow two moms have entrusted me with the care of their children, and yesterday "La Maternelle" Daycare and Preschool opened its doors. By 11 AM, one child had peed on the floor and one had pooped in his pants, and I was ready to call it quits. But the second half of the day went better and I woke up and did it all over again today without any major adventures. At this point I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm not entirely sure I'll still be in business this time next week, but then who is sure of that these days?

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Note: In France, “La Maternelle” refers to what we in the US would call “preschool,” a state-sponsored public school for 2-6 year-olds where they learn ABCs, 123s, motor skills, etc. to get ready for elementary school. But the word “maternelle” also means what it looks like it might, “maternal, all that is motherly…” I thought the double meaning was appropriate for my in-home daycare/preschool where I provide care for children in a family style, loving home environment, but also provide age-appropriate structure and learning opportunities.