Nini's Playhouse

07/29/2026

🤣🤣🤣

“It takes a big heart to teach little minds.”

07/15/2026

Mid-summer photo dump!!!☀️

06/20/2026

Big boy Friday with my absolute biggest boys

06/17/2026

☀️can’t wait for big boy Friday this week☀️
(🫣)

06/06/2026

This is my first year ever taking a week off for myself…..I don’t know what to do yet-but I’m doing it ☀️

This week I asked on my page, “If you could take one thing out of childcare, what would it be?”

One provider answered, “The anxiety of taking a day off.”

And judging by the comments, she wasn’t alone.

I completely understand that feeling because I used to feel guilty every time I took a day off. Taking a vacation felt even worse. I worried about my families. I worried about inconveniencing people. I worried about what everyone would think.

But after many years in this profession, I’ve learned something important.

Taking a day off isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Childcare is physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and mentally demanding. We spend our days caring for everyone else. If we never take time to recharge, eventually there’s nothing left in our cup to give.

The world is not going to stop spinning if you take a vacation.

Your families will make arrangements. They’ll figure it out. Just give them plenty of notice and take the time you need.

And if you’re raising your own family while running a childcare business, please hear this:

Your children will grow up faster than you can imagine.

Don’t look back years from now wishing you had taken more time with them. Go on the vacation. Attend the family event. Take the day off.

I also used to think that having policies and enforcing them made me mean.

It doesn’t.

It makes you professional.

You are not “just a babysitter.” You are a business owner and an early childhood professional. Professionals set boundaries. Professionals take time off. Professionals understand that they cannot pour from an empty cup.

So set the boundary.
Take the vacation.
Use your days off.

This advice comes from someone who wishes she had learned that lesson much sooner.

06/06/2026

Big Girl +Matthew Friday!!!

06/01/2026

This is one of my favorite things to witness in our playgroups 💜🥰💜

06/01/2026

I’ve got a full time and part time toddler spot available ☀️

05/29/2026

The sweetest little friendship 💜💖💜