Firing a difficult client

[Doodle Daycare]

Hello all! I am new to the world of home daycare and have been providing care for almost a year now. I'm looking for a little advise...

One of my dck is a 20 month old girl who tries my patients to no end. I'm torn between "oh, it's just a phase and it shall pass, I'm the professional and have to deal..." AND "this kid is a brat and I can't deal with her another day...fire her".

I have two boys of my own, 14 months and 2.5, as well as another full time dck. The difficult child is beginning to disrupt the others with ther tantrums and demanding attitude. If she is in an "off" mood, none of the other kids can play with her, look at her, be near her or she'll scream and throw a fit. I try to separate them, but it's not fair to the other kids to constantly be telling them to leave her alone and play somewhere else She is an only child and I suspect her parents leap to action for her every whimper. Far be it for me to comment on their parenting, no one is perfect. I realize she is approaching the dreaded 2's and tantrums are normal, but this just seems different for some reason. I just can't decide if this is part of the job and I need to deal, or fire this client and find another dck who isn't as disruptive/challenging.

I find myself not enjoying caring for this child which makes me feel horrible. I also second guess myself and think maybe it's me who in incompetent any maybe that's why she is so difficult, however, my f/t dck is a doll and I enjoy every bit of her.

Has anyone else been through this?

[mamaof4]

here is a thread that may help click

[Momof4]

I have to ask you Doodle. WHAT is that picture? It scares me!

Sorry you are going through a bad time with a little girl who sounds like she's in her terrible 2's a little early. I preach consistency at all times. Do the same thing every time every day until this child realizes she isn't going to get away with this nonsense at daycare. I use a timeout system and sit the child who is misbehaving out for a minute or less. As soon as they finish their tantrum or crying I wipe their tears and hold both their hands and talk to them face to face about the problem. I know this child is very young, but you can still do that and do it EVERY TIME and repeat something like 'no crying, play nice' or whatever you need to say to her.

You are right, the other children shouldn't be punished for this little girl's acting out. And yes, the parents should be helping at home. Another one of my sermons, hehe: The parents have to be working with us as a team and consistency at home and daycare will teach the child quickly what is and is not acceptable.

[jazmic]

I know! The picture freaked me out too! lol But if you look carefully, you'll see it's a cat. It's just a strange up close angle. I had to blink a few times to get it.

[Skysue]

what is your disipline policy? If the paretns ar not doing anything to correct her behaviour or work with you to stay on the same page for disipline then you must say goodbye.

[mom-in-alberta]

Haha... I saw the kitty right away??

Anyway; I agree that you need to come up with a discipline plan right now and stick to it. You're right, it's not fair that she dictates whether others are "allowed" to interact with her. We ALL have off days, but it's not a license to scream or be aggressive or what have you.
So be it time outs or another method, it's just going to have to be consistent follow through. And yes, mom/dad MUST be on the same page. Tell them exactly what the challenges are and explain why it's not acceptable.
"She tends to melt down when I am not able to attend to her want/need immediately. But patience is a very important quality in group care. Together, we can help her learn that it's OKAY to wait a minute or two." or whatever message you want to get across.
Sometimes we need to teach the parents, as much as the children!

[playfelt]

Sometimes we need to teach the parents, as much as the children!

If we teach the parents often the problems with the child go away. If only we could have them in our daycare for a few days to guide them in their "parenting".

[jec]

I saw the kitty right away too!
I think Mom in alberta is sooo right!
You need to talk to the parents and let them know what problems/concerns you have. what you want to do to work together to correct the behavior for their little one.
If they are not on board then you are in a losing battle and you have to make the choice if you can continue with her in your care.
Once parents know that your serious about something, they will most times work with you.

Don't let one of many down the road giving you a hard time think that your not cut out of the business. It has it's days but sounds like you got a tough little one from the get go. Chat with the parents and you may find that they are on board and your days will become much better!!
Good luck