Balancing Being a Parent and Being A Provider

What's YOUR story? Redleaf Press has asked me to work on a book about the struggles and triumphs of balancing being a parent and being a provider for family child care providers. Having raised two daughters in my daycare, I experienced two extremes. My oldest was so thrilled to be a part of the group that she actually got upset with me whenever I DID try to find special time for her. My youngest was always so jealous of the attention I gave other children that she was forever hanging on me begging for attention, no matter how much special time I made for her!

I'm sure many of you have had your ups and downs with this as well! I'd love to hear your stories and include them in the book. I'd like to get a discussion going here, providers sharing ideas and problems and everyone putting their heads together to find solutions.

I've been trying to do research for this and it's hard to come by - that tells me that it's sorely needed information and makes me really want to get help to providers looking for it.

I look forward to hearing all your comments!