Do other home daycare providers feel isolated?

[Amy Silvernail]

I'm curious if other home daycare providers ever feel "isolated" from the rest of the world, since we are usually working by ourselves and most of our conversations are held with children under the age of five. And, if you do feel "isolated" or lonely, where do you get that feeling of connection? When do you find the time to do things with other adults and what kind of things do you do? Just curious, because after one year of doing this, I'm really missing that interaction I got at the workplace.

[Tanya Hensley]

I miss the interaction, but I just make it a point to get out of the house , even if Kroger is the outing.

I wouldn't change a thing becasue I get to keep my kids with me, but I have a habit of becoming a chatter box.
One thing I don't miss and never will is the traffic, I just walk down stairs and I am at work, saves on gas. LOL

[Lonie]

Well I really do now because my daugther is 19 yrs. old now. She works and goes to school full time. We moved here(Texas) from Illinois 3yrs. ago and don't know anyone. I only see other people from the associations that I belong to once a month and thats about it. My husband and I have each other but thats it, I know that should be enough right? He hehehe....
I'm always looking for something to do to meet people. I don't like to read so no book clubs.
Lonie

[Lea]

What about finding a church that you like and get involved there. That has helped me in so many ways.. This can be a lonely business. Also, I've started networking with other child care providers in the area. We might meet at the park or call each other occassionally etc. I want to plan some get togethers for those in this area..

[Brooke]

Try the website: www.meetup.com - you can find group that meet up for a wide variety of purposes. I'm an elementary school teacher, and I've felt the same way (even though I have coworkers). I have yet to find a group that fits my need near me, but I'm sure one will form eventually.