The only thing I can add to all these really helpful responses is perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT! No matter how long you keep this little guy, (and I think its great you won't give up) but no matter how long you stick it out...know your limits! I cant stress it enough, we all have points we feel we might break, when you get there, take a step back, give the child space and give your self some peace. It is NOT easy to do this job, on a good day it takes ALOT! When you have a crier...it takes 100 times more. Just know your limits, if you have to, call the parent, leave the room or call someone to help you. It doesnt mean your not capable of doing your job well, it just means you are intelligent enough to know your limits. I know I shared this once before but its so important to me, the reality of our choices can make or break our lives. I know its not too bad for you now but sometimes all you have to do is have one bad day, or another child to give you a hard time to feel like you could "blow". I had a friend who "stupidly" decided to run her daycare w/ boyfriend, long story short they had a screamer, all day every day for like 2 months.....he hurt the child. yuck! I know. but after he made that CRAZY choice, THEN he realized what he had done. I always keep that in mind when I feel like maybe my hands are too full and I need some ease on things. Just know your limits. and good luck, I hope you can give this guy a happy and safe place to be, if not....your not a failure, just smart.