You may love children and you’re sure to love being your own boss – but everyone has mornings they dread to get up and face a job – no matter how rewarding it can be. The childcare business is no different, and in the hectic day-to-day activities that it takes to make the business successful, you may lose yourself and your focus on what’s really important. Those are times that your childcare business is running you.

If a poll was taken among childcare business owners/managers, chances are they would say that their “child care dream bubble” isn’t always the happy career they envisioned it to be. Every day isn’t filled with happy little children playing with toys, reading books and learning crafts. Not all children happily lie down for a nap and not all parents consider child care services first on their bill-paying list.

After a busy day, month or year of running your business, you may find that what you once longed for is now running you ragged. Here are some of the telltale signs to look for when you get to that point – and some solutions to make you happy again that you chose this rewarding business in the first place.

• Sleep Deprivation — You may become sleep-deprived if you don’t do anything about day-to-day issues that leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted  –  unable to care for your own family and children because you’ve been caring for others all day long.

You must address the issues causing concern and find solutions for them. Don’t think that you have to be perfect and please everyone. It’s okay to let an assistant watch the children or perform tasks so that you can spend a few precious moments doing what you want or need to do. Just a few minutes of quiet time during a hectic day can do wonders for your peace of mind – and help you sleep at night.

• Can’t Say “No!” – If you can’t say no to parents and incidents that infringe on you and your family’s time, then your childcare business is running you.

Diligently enforce a rule that you won’t stay late to take care of children. If a parent has to work late at the office or wants to have a drink with friends after work, he or she must make other arrangements for their children.

• Not Enough Hours in the Day – When you begin to fall behind in your personal business and don’t have enough time and energy left over to take care of yourself and your family, the childcare business may be running you.

You won’t feel as frazzled if you plan ahead for situations you know will arise. No matter how great a childcare provider you are, you’re going to have critical and deadbeat parents, fussy kids and rainy days. Fight those moments by having rules for parents and payments that are strictly adhered to and try to prepare ahead for those rainy day and fussy kid moments.

Above all, remember why you got into the childcare business in the first place – and think of all the blessings that go with it. That will go a long way in keeping that childcare dream bubble alive and well.