Are you having one of "THOSE" days?

Yes, you love your job, and yes, you love the kids, but it's so easy to get burned out when you work in child care. There are times that you feel like you could scream if you have to wipe one more runny nose! Whether its the parent who is constantly late at pick up, the child who always comes in sick, or the fact that you have needed to use the restroom for the last 40 minutes... You need a break!

Some things you can't control and can't change. At least walk in door prepared. 

Take care of your body, you can't do anything without it! Eat well. Fast food is easy but so is an apple and a string cheese. Be careful to fuel yourself with stuff that helps you function properly. You can prepackage foods so you can grab them on-the-go if you need to, foods like nuts, carrots, whole grain crackers, Greek yogurt or grapes. Remember to get enough water too. When you get dehydrated, you are going to sink like a ship. Feeling dizzy, tired and cranky just won't do; you are the adult in that child care, not the two year old. EAT WELL AND HYDRATE

Take a breather. It'd be nice if you could take that breather on a secluded beach, basking in glorious, golden sunshine, as you doze, uninterrupted, on the warm, sparkling sand, listening only to the soothing sound of the gentle waves... breaking...breaking...breaking...  

Okay, that is a little unrealistic. We live in the real world of child care and that means your breather is likely less than three minutes long and probably taken in a bathroom stall because that is the only place you can hide. That's okay. Putting yourself in time out for a minute, breathing deep and slow may help. But you need to make changes too. Learn to say no to other demands of your time. You don't have to rescue everyone in need, bake every cookie. Learn to designate. Get help. Let the kids help. It may not get done as good as when you do the job, but they are learning and it helps you too. Make changes. Change the routine. Change the decor. Refresh. Rejuvenate yourself and your space.  GET SOME FRESH AIR.