I remember sitting in those business workshops, scribbling down notes like my life depended on it. Back then, I didn’t even think to ask if the person leading the session had actually run a childcare business before. I just assumed they knew what they were talking about. After all, they were standing at the front of the room, wearing a name tag and passing out PowerPoint slides—so they must be an expert, right?
It wasn’t until years later that I started questioning things. Wait a minute—has this person ever had to deal with a parent who refuses to pay? Have they ever had to juggle licensing visits, screaming toddlers, and a broken toilet all in the same hour? Or did someone just hand them a manual on what they think running a childcare business is like? Because let’s be honest, childcare is a whole different world, and if you haven’t lived it, you don’t really get it.
In this post, I’m going to break down why it’s so important to make sure you’re getting the right advice from the right people—people who have actually been where you are. Because the wrong advice? It won’t just waste your time. It could cost you big in your business. Let’s get into it.
Why Some Business Advice for Childcare Providers Misses the Mark (And What to Do Instead)
When Good Intentions Go Wrong
A few weeks ago, I was at a hotel when I noticed a charity event happening in one of the ballrooms. It had a great mission—assembling backpacks for kids affected by the recent wildfires in California. But as I watched, I realized something was very wrong.
The event had been turned into a game. Teams of kids had to complete challenges in an app to “earn” the backpack supplies. But here’s the kicker—only certain challenges with a star actually counted toward getting supplies, while other challenges just racked up points for a chance to win medals. It was way too complicated.
To be fair, all the rules were explained at the start. But let’s be real—kids don’t sit still for long, especially when a boring PowerPoint is involved. Pretty soon, the room turned into chaos. Some kids were participating, some weren’t, and most of them were completely confused.
I remember thinking, What were the organizers thinking? Turns out, a professional team-building company designed the event. And that’s when it hit me—just because someone means well doesn’t mean they get it.
The Problem with Free Childcare Business Programs
This isn’t just a charity event problem. I see this happening all the time with free programs designed to “help” childcare providers. There are plenty of organizations offering business advice for providers like you and me. But here’s the thing—most of them don’t actually understand what it takes to run a childcare business.
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
The result? Advice that’s well-meaning but completely out of touch with reality.
1. They Teach Theory, Not Reality
They’ll tell you to “build a strong contract” but won’t tell you how to handle a parent who refuses to sign it. They’ll tell you to “market your childcare” but won’t give you strategies that actually work when you’re already juggling 50 other tasks.
2. They Don’t Understand the Chaos
If you’ve never had to manage a room full of toddlers while also handling a licensing visit and a last-minute staff call-out, you don’t really get childcare. The advice they give sounds great on paper, but it doesn’t hold up when real life happens.
3. They Don’t Address the Real Challenges
Childcare isn’t just about caring for kids—it’s about running a business. You have to balance budgets, deal with difficult parents, and make sure you actually get paid. Most free programs barely scratch the surface of what it really takes to succeed.
I’ve Been There, Done That—And I Get It
I’m not just some business coach who read a few childcare articles and decided to teach a course. I’ve been a provider. I’ve dealt with enrollment struggles, tough parents, and the never-ending challenge of staying profitable in an industry that’s often undervalued.
That’s why I created Thriving Childcare—to give real-world, no-nonsense advice that actually helps. I’ve spent years helping hundreds of providers navigate the ups and downs of this business. And if you’re ready to stop relying on out-of-touch advice, I can help you too.
How I Can Help You Succeed
I built The Childcare Business Blueprint and The Rise & Thrive Club specifically to support providers like you. Here’s what makes them different:
- Support from Someone Who’s Been in Your Shoes – You don’t have to figure this out alone. I’ve been there, and I’ll show you exactly what works.
- Practical, Real-World Strategies – No fluff, no overcomplicated theories—just clear steps you can actually follow.
- Solutions for Real Challenges – From handling difficult parents to making sure your rates are set right, we cover the things that really matter.
I created the Rise & Thrive Club—a community of childcare business owners who support and encourage each other. If you need guidance, accountability, or just someone to remind you that you’ve got this, come join us!
The Key to a Thriving Childcare Business
At the end of the day, running a childcare business isn’t just about loving kids—it’s about knowing how to run a business that actually works. And the best way to do that? Learn from people who have been there.
So if you’re tired of advice that doesn’t fit your reality, let’s change that. Get the right tools, the right strategies, and the right support—so your business doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
