What would you do in this situation?

[Inspired by Reggio]

Ya that is a tough one Samantha - something has to change or the behaviour is only going to get worse

I agree with Momof4 ... I would approach the parent from the place of concern for the child not only now but down the road and a desire to support them to make the hard investment now for the long term pay off down the road... something along the lines of:

"I empathize that it might seem 'easiest' to coax little Johnny to meet expectations for getting to and from daycare and so forth by offering him a chocolate or new toy or whatever because you are tired or in a rush and it is just the 'easiest' way to motivate him during that stressful time of day HOWEVER I am really concerned about the messages that this sends little Johnny and the impact it has on him making 'positive choices' in my program where I cannot bribe him with chocolate or new toys and so forth but rather just have to expect him to behave and make good choices.

I know we all want what is best for Johnny and am confident we can all agree that helping Johnny develop strategies of socially acceptable behaviour and successful decision making skills that will take him through life to grow up to be a positive, healthy thriving individual is something we all are striving for and I am hoping we can brainstorm a different morning routine that will allow Johnny consistency between home and program?'