By: Amanda Goodwin, Logatot, CEO

After an extended stay in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit with our son, the anxiety of transitioning him to the "real world" was overwhelming. On one particular day, gripped by anxiety, I insisted on having a traveling nurse confirm it was safe to bring my baby to his aunt's house to meet the family. It was one of those moments that truly tested my emotional limits.

Our son wasn't eligible for group care until he was nearly 16 months old. Deciding who could care for him—considering his heart had stopped and restarted multiple times in my arms—was a decision that haunted me. Ultimately, the only person I could trust was Diane, a family child care provider who had a longstanding bond with our family.

Diane embraced the high-stress responsibility and shared the emotional burden, which was more than I ever expected someone outside our family to handle. As many family child care providers do, you manage the emotions of children and their families, bearing a weight that is often underestimated.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has identified that the emotional toll on caregivers like us can lead to significantly higher rates of burnout. It’s not just the physical tasks—the relentless emotional energy you pour into your work daily.

My profound experience with Diane inspired me to use my resources to make life easier for providers like you. You deserve support and understanding because emotional drain impacts not just your mood but also your health, your connections, and your passion for your work.

Acknowledging the importance of your emotional well-being is the first step. At Logatot, we reiterate that what matters most is you and the children in your care. We're focused on developing tools that simplify compliance so you can prioritize your crucial relationships—with yourself, the children, and their families.

Next week, I’ll introduce our Provider Advisory Board—a group of current family child care providers collaborating with us at Logatot to ensure our tools meet your real and immediate needs. We're here to make your important work a little lighter.

Thank you for all you take on and how much you contribute to the wellness of your community. I look forward to sharing more of your unique stories.