New CM - struggling a bit!

[OopsDoneItAgain]

Hiya, I started minding a few weeks ago now, and on the whole its going ok, the children have settled well and are lovely. I have a 10 month baby and a 3 year old. I also have my own 3 year old around, and now its the hols, my 5 year old too. Im finding that with all of them they just get so excited and don't focus sensibly on anything and we end up whipping thro soooo many activities that my brain is ready to implode by tea time. We had run out of energy and ideas by mid afternoon. Please, are there any ideas of how one should manage the child led approach when they seem to have the attention span of a gnat? And how to do all this stuff with a baby around too? I feel like a new mum again, all unsure of myself

I find if everyone starts getting hyper active a brisk walk to the local park is called for. If they dawdle, don't rush them, stop to look at leaves, flowers, fences, walls, whatever. It's a good time killer, the children learn loads, everyone has fun, so it's a win win all round. Do make sure they all go to the toilet first though, because it's dreadful to arrive at the park and have to go straight home! If the 3 yr olds can last long enough, you can take a snack or a picnic with you.

My lot were outside with a pot of chalk decorating my (secure) driveway today. They have also been known to paint the garage wall assorted colours (the rain washes it all off). Water painting is a particular favourite, usually ending up in a water fight, or someone sitting in the bucket.

Have a quick look around your house..... Do you think you have to much out? I would maybe put a few bits away for now so they don't get too overwhelmed with the choice and keep flitting from one thing to the next.

Another point to consider is that it is all very new and exciting for them at the moment. New toys, children and environment can make children a bit hyper and once they settle in and get used to your rules and routines, I'm sure your day will be much calemr.

Good luck, you're doing a fab job!

Do you get them to tidy up before getting the next mess out?

The children are obviously very happy and confident in your care if they are exercising their right to free choice. Well done.

Is there a local toy library (Google the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries) to ring the changes with toys, without having to buy new?

Thanks for replies! Yes, if nothing else they are happy and confident! Perhaps I need to loosen up a bit.

But tidy up?? If only! Sigh. I think I am a pushover at the mo because its still so early on with the mindees. And tbh Im fairly easy with my own boys in terms of manic behaviour -they are very very active so we do lots of lettting off steam. But whilst my own 2 bouncing on the sofa doesnt bother me, i cant be letting them and mindees too do it.

So much to navigate...