Getting ready for a scolding...

[Momof4]

Lou you have the right attitude in dealing with this. Remain laid back when you have the "meeting" and just state what you intially wrote. You would love for him to stay, he's a great kid except for the disruptive behaviour at meal time. You need to do what is best for the children as a whole group and if xxxx's behaviour doesn't improve in the 3 weeks, you would love to care for him mornings only and smile, smile smile.

I agree with this, that you should be confident and in control at all times with the parents because you know you are doing everything right and in the best interest of the children in your care. I'm really glad that you don't NEED the income from this child and therefore can terminate on the spot if necessary. Do NOT take any crap from the parents since the Dad is at home. If the Mom gives you attitude you don't need that and she needs to know she's not the queen of the world!

I'm not sure how old this boy is, but I would remove his plate and utensils when he acts up if he didn't listen to me and if he was disrespectful by throwing his food he would be done his meal and removed from the table to sit on his own until the rest of the children finish.

The parents have to be working with you to train the children in all facets of life or you are beating your head against a brick wall.

If the Dad comes at 12:30 and you have to tell him that his son is hungry because he was being disruptive and uncontrollable at lunchtime, so what? The Dad can feed him when he gets home.

[kidlove]

Good Luck with this one, I feel for you and hope this Mom can open her eyes and not come in in complete "defense". I had a simular situation with a little one who was dropped off every day at noon, but cried and wouldn't eat lunch......asked parents to drop him off around 1 instead. the dad didn't have to be to work until 2. They did, and it worked. no more stress on me or the kid and everyone got what they needed. Hope it all goes well for you!

[Lou]

Mom is calling for our telephone meeting tonight...I'll let you know how it goes!

[Inspired by Reggio]

Sending you positive outcome vibes!

[Lou]

It was fine. I could tell Mom was REALLY nervous to talk to me! She wanted to hear about how he's behaving in other aspects of the program, and let me know WHY she thinks he is which wasn't far off from what I thought either. She also wanted to know how I was discouraging him from acting up at the table because they have been having eating issues with him at home as well. She did nervously (I knew it was coming) remind me that even that he's only 2, wherein I reminded her that on the days that he attends, he is also in the company of 3 OTHER 2 yrs olds so I know he is very capable of my expectations, and she quickly agreed. I felt bad that I seemed to make her so nervous, but at least she didn't get all "I pay you so I'M the boss" on me, lol. So, I'm going to keep giving her updates and we'll see how things are in a couple weeks! Glad that's over! On a side note, my husband was listening to our conversation from the next room (not on the line, just listening to me) and said he was so proud of me and has never heard me speak so professionally and powerfully, but with empathy too" . Feels nice to be acknowledged! I very rearely have to put my boss face and voice on with my families because they are all great and very cooperative and easy to talk to, so it surprised him in a good way!