Another Screamer debate...Stick with him or let him go?

[Judy Trickett]

I don't really care WHY a kid is screaming - normal or not. First off, I do NOT think it is "normal" for a child to scream every time they want something, are not getting something, or just hate doing something. It is NOT appropriate - even at 11 mths old. Sorry, some members might flame me but IME well-behaved kids who have been set up for success in daycare (not carried around to all the time, not run to for every whimper, not being allowed to control others with screaming) do NOT scream like this.

I can totally tell the difference between a newbie who is crying because they are upset being away from their parents and in a strange place (anxiety) and a kid who is just plain old mad and wants what he wants.

In the end, if a child is screaming from anger they learn, within a week or two that is NOT tolerated here or I terminate them. I will hold out longer for kids who are just upset and missing momma.

At some point, however, if a newbie is not settling in after 4 weeks I seriously have to consider terminating for the sake of the OTHER kids in my care. My JOB is to offer ALL the kids a fun, safe and emotionally supportive atmosphere. And listening to someone scream for nine hours of their care day is NOT fair to the others or me.