Just some ideas (long)

[torontokids]

I am sure everyone is sick of hearing about my 6 y o b&a kid but here it is anyways.

I just find he impacts my day negatively and I don't know how to suck it up until the end of June. I don't think I will terminate as I like the family and there is no real reason to do so. I am looking more for advice on how to support him and for me to manage.

Pros-
He is actually very sweet and I genuinely care for him.

He's incredibly smart and creative

He's 6 so everything is "boring" but he seems to like me and the daycare (most days)

As much as he doesn't agree with me (like it matters), he follows through with consequences.

Cons-
He is very hyper/loud and always moving. Not just "I'm a boy and on the go moving" but hyper.

When he is in the program the dynamic shifts, the kids fight, he meddles and antagonizes them. If 2 kids are playing nicely together he has to interject and interrupt their play.

He has started challenging me when I do something. "Well that's not fair that she has to go on time out, etc).

He takes the most out of me, energy, attention etc.

He is really into Star Wars etc so he continues to try and bring "fighting play" into the daycare. This spills out into their day as well. This of course is redirected by me into other activities.

Some things I have done that helps
His mom had left a hand held device for him that he can earn screen time for good behaviour (haven't had this for a few wks though)

He likes being put in a leadership role so I had him help a new kid feel comfortable. He was awesome at this.

Outside time helps but again safety is an issue unless we are in the backyard. E.g I would like to take all the kids to the school playground after pick up and sometimes this works but it really depends on him/his mood.

I will save crafts that the little ones do during the day so he can make it after school.

I spoke to his parents re: eating. His diet is horrible (primarily carbs and fruit). He is also a "vegetarian" but eats nothing to supplement this. He also eats very little and does not eat his lunch at school. I have suggested they speak with the school about a plan so he eats at school (e.g. eats at the office before he can go out). I am sure there is a connection with diet as he is definitely "out of whack" when he misses his lunch. Mom has introduced protein smoothies as well to help supplement. He manages at school however and the teacher has no concerns. He does much better with structured activities which I can't always do at the end of the day/pick up time.

Other ideas?

[Fun&care]

LOl you have just described my 5 year old son. Sounds fairly typical for the age, I know it's hard tho...they just don't mesh well with the little ones. Fortunately you only have til June, I'm in it for the long haul

My best advice is trying to make them feel a part of the group by giving them responsibilities. For example, my son helps me undress the dck when we come in from the bus run, and he actually likes doing it. Don't force anything, just try to find something he can help with. Even if that means dishes maybe...just take out the sharp stuff...he's a big kid so you have to treat him like one.

[cfred]

Just out of curiosity.....is ADHD a possibility? My own son was diagnosed at 4 yrs of age. The things you describe sound quite familiar. Does he look at you when you talk to him or are his eyes all over the room? That was a big red flag for me. No volume control? Always (and I mean ALWAYS) moving? Defiant? Argumentative? Obsessive about certain things? Kind of always in a state of 'vibrating'....not really vibrating literally, but they have sooooo much energy, you can almost see it, even when they're not running amok.

If this sounds familiar, you may want to do a little reading. And yes, diet is a HUGE factor!!!

[sunnydays]

Sounds like my almost 5 year old son as well...I may have to read up on ADHD as well! He NEVER stops moving...he even stands on his head to watch TV..LOL. And he is not a good mix with the little ones even though he is really sweet and loving and gentle...he just does crazy things and the little ones want to copy etc.

[torontokids]

It's funny because there are definitely some ADHD like behaviour there (I've worked with many kids through out my previous career with the diagnosis) but he manages fine in school. I wouldn't be surprised if an Aspergers/ADHD diagnosis may come out down the road. His intelligence keeps him stimulated in school and he can also apply his reasoning skills to understand what is expected where. He just lacks impulse control. So yes all little boys can have these traits but his are above and beyond what I would say is "typical."