Today I learned some sad news.  An associate, mentor and sometimes-competitor of mine has had to leave the business.  I won’t mention who, because it just isn’t important and is somewhat personal. But I am sad to see him go, because even competitors can make us better in what we do, and I never like to see ill come to anyone.  So I wish him and his family the best in the future.

I always believe in looking for the lesson in everything in life.  This case has a lesson to be learned too.  My friend’s problems came about by pushing the limits just a little too much.  We’ve all been there, so we know how this happens.  You start off following the rules say driving the speed limit, then pushing it just a little, 5 mph over.  Nothing bad happens, we don’t get pulled over so this becomes the normal and acceptable way.  We do this for a bit then push again, just 5 mph more, nothing bad, push again. We can even begin to believe its okay to be going this fast.

Before we know it we are 20 mph over the speed limit passing the officer with the radar gun.  Oops!

The ticket, the fine, the trouble just snuck up on us.This is just what happened to my friend, and if you asked him, he would admit this is what happened.  Now he’s lost just about everything and will need to start his business life over.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Take a couple of minutes today and think about where you are pushing the limits.  Look at how you are operating your daycare, should you be operating differently?

• Are you following the rules of your state and local government about number of children?  It’s just one over the limit, right, but what’s next?
• Do you have all your policies written out for your parents so both sides know the rules, or are you just “winging it”.  Not having policies can get you in trouble and allow parents to walk all over you.
• Do you have all the forms and paperwork you need on your children?  Who can pick them up, what can they eat, where can you take them, I know this might sound simple and obvious but what happens when something goes wrong?  There are lots of kids that can’t eat peanuts or shellfish, or parents in nasty custody battle.  Just 5 minutes to slid back into line and you will be much better off.
• Are you setting a good example for the kids in your care?  As a care giver you have a massive affect on your kids, what they believe and how they grow up.  Even if they don’t say it they are watching and learning.  Don’t teach them the wrong things.  Think about the words you use, the feeling you have, and how you deal with problems. Maybe it’s time to make some small changes.

Pushing the limits can sneak up on all of us.  It takes some effort to see where we are over the limit and some restraint to come back in line.  Slowing back down to the speed limit is hard, but in the end easier than getting the ticket and needing to show up in court.

The Daycare Success System already has a great policy manual, and all the forms you need included when you invest in it.  You can also get just the daycare forms or  daycare policy handbook if you would like on my daycare products page.

My happy thoughts and blessings go out to my friend and all of you as we go forward in life.

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