Want to open and run a daycare business and earn money from home?
You can do it!
But before you take the leap, I want to talk to you about the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with starting an in-home daycare.
I’ve created a list of pros and cons of having a daycare business in your home. I based my list on my experiences and conversations I have had with other child care providers. Also, keep in mind that the reasons I had for starting a home daycare might differ from yours. And that some issues that I mention might not be applicable to you.
Having said that, here’s my list of pros and cons you might want to consider. Feel free to remove or add your own.
Pros of starting a family child care
- You are able to stay home with your small children, no need to put them in daycare.
- You will get to witness all your child’s “firsts.” For instance, their first steps, first words, first belly laugh, etc., etc., etc.
- You will have the opportunity to take your own children to school and pick them up.
- You will be home when your children come home from school.
- You will make an income from home.
- You will be the owner of your own home-based business.
- As a business owner, you will set the daycare policies, holidays, business hours, etc. that best fits you and your family life.
- You can write-off your household expenses.
- No need to commute every day to and from work.
- Your child will be able to socialize with other children.
- You can make a difference in another child’s life by providing quality care and stability.
- You will spend the day doing activities that the children and YOU enjoy. You choose how you want to spend the day with the children in your care. No need to follow someone else’s dream but your own!
Cons of starting a daycare
- Long working hours. Keep in mind that most parents work 8 hour shifts. On top of that, you will need to take into consideration lunch breaks, and their commute time to and from work. That might mean a 10 hour (or more) work day for you.
- You are stuck at home for most of the day.
- Your own children will not receive your full attention during daycare hours.
- Dealing with unreliable parents.
- You and your family are more likely to get sick.
- The children in your care will be making lots of noise. So patience is a MUST!
- Having other people’s children in your house all day can cause stress for your whole family. So patience and cooperation are needed from everyone in your family.
- Wear and tear to your house, furniture, books, toys, etc.
- Sometimes you will feel like all you do is pick up toys and clean all day.
- Depending on the size of your home, you might feel like the daycare takes over your personal space.
- Minimal interaction with other adults. (Actually, depending on your personality this might be a pro.)
Should I Start a Home Daycare?
There you go!
Now that you have considered some of the pros and cons of running an in-home daycare business, it’s your turn to make a decision.
If the pros far exceed the cons, then you are ready to start a home daycare.
If the cons far exceed the pros, then a home daycare might not be right for you. At this point, you are better off looking into a different profession.
Over to you – what are some of your pros and cons for starting a home daycare? I’d love to hear them!
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