Running a childcare business can be rewarding—but let’s be real, it can also wear you all the way out. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, counting down the minutes to pickup time, or questioning if you even like your job anymore, this post is for you. We’re talking burnout: how to spot it, how to stop it, and what to do when you’re deep in it. I’m sharing the five sneaky signs to watch for, three easy ways to reset, and the truth about why pushing through isn’t always the answer. Let’s break the burnout cycle—starting now.
Burned Out and Still Showing Up: How Childcare Providers Can Spot Burnout and Bounce Back Fast
I’ll be honest. There were times when I was running my daycare that I thought I was just tired, cranky, or having a “bad week.” But the truth is—I was burned out. Completely fried. Done.
I didn’t know it at the time. I kept pushing through, thinking this was just part of the job. You know, kids cry, parents complain, licensing knocks at the door, and there’s always something to clean. That’s just the gig, right?
Wrong.
Looking back, I can see it clear as day: I was dealing with burnout. Not once, but a few times. And it took way too long to realize it.
But here’s the good news—once you know the signs, you can actually do something about it. You can press reset. You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode.
Let’s talk about how to spot the signs of daycare owner burnout and—more importantly—how to bounce back before you hit the wall.
What Is Burnout, Anyway?
Burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s when tired becomes your whole personality. It’s when caring starts to feel heavy, and the job you once loved feels like a weight you carry every single day.
If any of that hit a little too close to home, you might need a burnout check-in.
Take my free Childcare Provider Burnout Quiz to see where you stand right now.
5 Signs You’re Burned Out (Or Real Close)
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Burnout doesn’t always show up wearing a name tag. Sometimes it looks like a regular Tuesday.
Here are five big signs you might be dealing with burnout:
1. You dread opening your doors each morning
You used to love greeting the kiddos. Now, you count down the minutes till pickup—at 9 a.m.
2. Everything irritates you
Loud toys? Eye twitch. Snack-time crumbs? Full meltdown. You’re snapping at everyone (even yourself).
3. You feel emotionally numb
You’re going through the motions. Smiling on the outside, checked out on the inside.
4. Your body is begging for rest
Headaches, stomachaches, or that ache in your soul? Burnout doesn’t just live in your mind—it shows up in your body too.
5. You’ve stopped caring
You miss licensing deadlines. You forget important dates. You’re just…over it.
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How to Hit Reset and Actually Recover
Now that we’ve called burnout out by name, let’s talk about what you can do about it.
Here are three simple ways to reset when burnout creeps in:
1. Say No More
Your business will not crumble if you say “no” once in a while. No to extra kids. No to working weekends. No to being everything for everyone. Protect your yes.
2. Step Away—Even for 10 Minutes
A break doesn’t need to be a vacation in Bali (though wouldn’t that be nice?). Step outside, breathe, walk, listen to music in your car. Unplug from the chaos—even briefly.
3. Find Your People
Burnout thrives in isolation. Support makes it shrink. Join a group where people get it. Our Rise & Thrive Club is the safe space you’ve been looking for. Real talk. Real support. Real solutions.
Ready to get support? Join the Rise & Thrive Club for instant access to provider resources, early releases, and community.
Let’s Stop Acting Like Burnout Is Normal
Here’s the controversial truth: burnout has become the badge of honor in childcare—and that’s a problem.
We’ve been sold the idea that being overwhelmed means we’re doing it right. That if we’re not exhausted, we’re not working hard enough. That’s garbage. You didn’t start your business to burn out—you started it to build something beautiful.
The real flex? Knowing when to pause, reset, and come back stronger.
Related Reading:
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
You Deserve to Thrive (Not Just Survive)
Recognizing burnout is not a weakness. It’s a superpower. It means you care enough to check in with yourself. And that kind of awareness? It can change everything.
So, do the quiz. Get honest. Take a breath. Say no. Ask for help. Join the Rise & Thrive Club if you’re ready to surround yourself with people who get it and won’t let you spiral alone.
Because when you take care of the provider, the business gets better.
And so does life.
You’re not stuck. You’re just one reset away from feeling like yourself again.
