By Carol Duprey

Most child care owners are buried in busywork—running from one crisis to the next, convinced the business can’t survive without them. I used to be one of them… until I learned how to flip the script.

Today, I run multiple thriving child care centers in just four hours a week. No, that’s not a typo. The secret? A simple framework that cuts the clutter, focuses your energy, and empowers your team to take the reins. I call it the S.O.L.D. Method of Task Management™—and it can change everything for you, too.

S.O.L.D. Method of Task Management™

Running multiple childcare centers in just four hours a week might sound impossible, but it’s my reality. The key? The S.O.L.D. Method:

S: Self-Discipline
O: Organization
L: Liberation
D: Delegation

Each pillar of this framework works together to streamline your workload and amplify your team’s efficiency. Let’s break it down.

Self-Discipline

Self-discipline isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Here’s how to develop habits that free up your time:

• Set Daily Reminders: Use technology like Alexa or Siri to organize your appointments and follow-ups. This minimizes mental clutter and keeps you on track without constant effort.
• Reclaim Free Time: If your schedule suddenly feels open, resist the urge to overfill it with unnecessary tasks. Instead, invest in a new hobby, explore a side business, or dedicate that time to family. 
• Feed Your Mind Positivity: Start your day by consuming something uplifting. Whether it’s reading a book like Atomic Habits or listening to a motivational podcast like Child Care Genius, this sets the tone for a productive day.
• Avoid Busy Work: Identify what truly matters. If a task doesn’t move the needle for your business or personal growth, delegate it or let it go.
• Audit Relationships: Spend more time with supportive people who inspire you. For instance, having coffee with a mentor or peer can spark valuable insights. On the flip side, distance yourself from those who drain your energy.

Pro Insight: Even if you work fewer hours, perception matters. Keeping your flexible schedule private maintains team morale and avoids misunderstandings.

Organization

A clear system can make or break your productivity. Here’s how to streamline your daily routine:

• Create Two Lists: Your TO-DO list is obvious, but a DO NOT DO list is equally important. This could include things like avoiding unnecessary meetings or not micromanaging tasks.
• Streamline Information Intake: With endless information at your fingertips, you can easily get overwhelmed. Ask yourself, “Is this relevant to my immediate goals?” If not, set it aside. For example, skip articles about trends that don’t impact your business directly.
• Turn Off Notifications: Distractions can derail even the best plans. Dedicate specific times to check emails or messages—like 15 minutes before lunch or at the end of the day.
• Stay Off Social Media During Work Hours: This one’s tough but critical. Tools like website blockers or app limits can help you stay focused.

Practical Example: I limit news consumption to five minutes a day using a timer. This keeps me informed without falling into a rabbit hole of negativity.

Liberation

Liberation is about letting go of the things that don’t serve you. This creates mental space for what truly matters.

• Apply the 80/20 Rule: Reflect on your daily interactions. Which relationships bring joy and which cause stress? Focus your energy on the 20% that provide 80% of your happiness.
• Practice Not Finishing: If you start reading a book or tackling a task that feels unproductive, give yourself permission to stop. For example, halfway through a project, if it’s clear it won’t have a meaningful impact, delegate it or abandon it entirely.
• Vacation Strategically: Step away from your business quarterly—without guilt. Use this time to recharge and trust your team to handle operations. Leave an out-of-office email and give only your top leader access to you for emergencies.

Empowering Tip: It’s not selfish to say no. Protecting your time is an investment in your business.

Delegation

Delegating effectively is the difference between being a business owner and a business operator.

• Start Small: Begin by delegating routine tasks like supply ordering or payroll reviews. Gradually, empower your team to handle bigger decisions.
• Develop Decision Makers: Encourage leaders to practice using decisive language. For example:
  • “I suggest we…”
  • “I propose this solution…”
  • “Let’s try this approach…”
    This builds their confidence and reduces your involvement in daily decisions.
• Step Back: Working from home or off-site reinforces your team’s independence. For example, I meet my team in person only twice a year: at a summer BBQ and a holiday party. This sets a clear boundary while maintaining connection.

Key Perspective: Trust isn’t just given; it’s developed. If you’ve trained your team well, they’ll thrive when you let go.

My Four-Hour Workweek in Action

Here’s a snapshot of how I organize my workweek to maximize efficiency:

Monday:

• 8:45–9:00: Check daycare emails
• 9:00–10:00: L10 meeting with management team
• Rest of the day: Real estate and coaching

Tuesday:

• 8:45–9:00: Check daycare emails
• 9:00–9:30: USDA paperwork check
• Rest of the day: Real estate and coaching

Wednesday:

• 8:45–9:00: Check daycare emails
• 9:00–10:00: Financials/payroll (bi-weekly)
• Rest of the day: Real estate and coaching

Thursday:

• 8:45–9:00: Check daycare emails
• 9:00–9:30: Operations manager check-in
• Rest of the day: Real estate and coaching

Friday:

• All day: Real estate and coaching—my team knows not to contact me.

This schedule reflects my priorities: empowering my team, focusing on strategic growth, and staying engaged in other ventures.

Key Takeaways

1. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Be okay with good enough if it saves you time.
2. Build from within: Create a “farm team” of leaders who can step into bigger roles as your business grows.
3. Diversify income streams: Consider other passive income opportunities to supplement your childcare business.
4. Protect your time: Every “no” you say to distractions is a “yes” to what truly matters.

If I can run multiple childcare locations in just four hours a week, so can you. Now, go reclaim your life!