I have a bit of a confession: I’m a people watcher. You know, the kind who sits in a coffee shop and wonders what everyone’s lives are like. Sometimes, I imagine they’ve got it all figured out—perfect jobs, zero stress, maybe even a magical ability to fold laundry right out of the dryer. Meanwhile, there’s me, reflecting on 22 years of running a childcare business and all the lessons I learned the hard way.
If you’re in the trenches of childcare ownership, let me share what hindsight has taught me. Spoiler alert: I didn’t always get it right. But if I could go back and start fresh in 2025, here’s what I’d do differently—and how you can apply these lessons to your own business right now.
If I Could Start My Childcare Business Over in 2025: 4 Lessons from 22 Years
What I Did Wrong
First, let’s get real about my missteps. (And trust me, there were plenty.)
1. I Didn’t Take My Business Seriously
When I started my childcare business, I didn’t think of it as, well, a business. I was focused on the day-to-day—caring for kids, making parents happy, and juggling snack time without losing my mind. But I wasn’t thinking about profits, operations, or the bigger picture. For too long, I saw myself as a caregiver, not a business owner. Big mistake.
2. I Only Marketed When I Lost a Client
Here’s a fun fact: waiting until you lose a client to start marketing is like waiting until your car runs out of gas to start looking for a station. I didn’t have a plan to keep leads coming in consistently, which meant every time a family left, I panicked. Marketing wasn’t something I did regularly; it was something I scrambled to do when I was desperate.
3. I Never Took Time Off
I have a stack of unused massage gift certificates to prove it—I thought taking a day off would make the whole business crumble. Vacations? Forget about it. I was too scared to lose clients or miss out on income to even consider it.
4. I Had No Growth Plan
For years, I was just winging it. I didn’t have a clear vision for where I wanted my business to go, what I wanted it to look like, or even when I planned to quit. The lack of a growth plan left me stuck in survival mode instead of building a thriving, sustainable business.
Related Reading:
- STARTING A CHILDCARE: What I got wrong and how I fixed it
- Preventing a Mass Childcare Exodus
- How to make your growth plan
What I’d Do Differently in 2025
Looking back, I see exactly where I went wrong. And if I could hit the reset button, here’s how I’d do it differently:
1. Invest in Professional Development
This time around, I’d prioritize learning how to run my business like a pro. Whether it’s taking courses, attending workshops, or finding a mentor, I’d focus on sharpening my business skills—not just my childcare skills. Understanding things like budgeting, marketing, and leadership can make all the difference.
2. Create an Evergreen Marketing Plan
Instead of marketing reactively, I’d have a plan that runs like clockwork. I’d build a website, stay active on social media, and consistently nurture relationships with potential clients. Marketing should never be an afterthought; it’s what keeps your business alive.
3. Take Time Off Without Guilt
Vacations and self-care aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. I’d schedule regular breaks and trust that my business wouldn’t implode if I took a week off. With proper planning and communication, taking time for yourself doesn’t mean losing clients; it means avoiding burnout.
4. Have a 1-, 2-, and 5-Year Growth Plan
I’d set clear goals for my business from day one. Where do I want to be in a year? How many clients do I want? Do I plan to hire staff or expand? And most importantly, when do I want to transition out of this phase of my life? Knowing the answers to these questions would give me direction and purpose.
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How to Put These Ideas Into Action
So, how can you apply these lessons to your childcare business today? Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Get Business-Minded
Find a course, workshop, or book on small business management. There are tons of affordable resources online and many are tailored to childcare providers. Commit to learning something new about running a business every month.
Step 2: Build a Marketing Plan
Start simple. Choose one or two platforms where your ideal clients hang out (like Facebook or Instagram) and post consistently. Create a referral program to keep your current clients involved in spreading the word.
Step 3: Prioritize Self-Care
Block off time on your calendar for YOU. Whether it’s a vacation, a massage, or a lazy afternoon binge-watching your favorite show, you need to recharge. Trust me, your clients will understand.
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Related Reading:
- The Ultimate Guide to Using Social Media for Childcare Providers: Stay Organized and Save Time
- Client-Keeping Secrets: The Art of Retaining Happy Childcare Families!
- Unlock Your Childcare Success: 5 Ways to Thrive in a Supportive Membership Community
- Creating A Daycare Owner’s Exit Strategy with a Happy Heart
Step 4: Set Goals
Write down where you want your business to be in 1, 2, and 5 years. Be specific. For example, “In 1 year, I want to enroll 5 more kids. In 2 years, I want to hire an assistant. In 5 years, I want to be earning $X per month and planning my exit strategy.”
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Keep Growing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you’re never done growing—personally or professionally. The childcare business is challenging, but with the right mindset and a little (borrowed) hindsight, it’s absolutely possible to create something that not only prospers but thrives.
Don’t be afraid to reevaluate, pivot, and take bold steps toward the business and life you want. Because if I’ve learned anything from people-watching, it’s that nobody’s life is fabulously easy—but with intention and effort, it can be fabulously fulfilling.
