Constant screaming

[Mambia]

As far as I'm told, the child sleeps well at night without interruptions (11-12hrs), then comes to daycare where he still has a morning and afternoon nap and most days I have to wake him up! He goes down for naps without any struggle but the inbetween times if he is not comforted by food, he screams or cries. Like I said, there have been obvious times where has is teething whereas other times his loudness is simply for attention and control but I just ignore. Parents are frustrated by this too and have started putting him in his crib to cry it out and have asked me to do the same. Problem with that is that with a daycare setting and with the nice weather, we spend our time outdoors so this isn't really suitable for me. Like I said, teething will pass its just coping through it but just so disruptive to me, the other dckids and to our day and I don't know how long I can handle this phase. At the same time, from the parents perspective, if I term this child, what do I really expect the parents to do? Quit their job? Arghh, so lost on this one! There are literally times where I feel like contacting mom and telling her I'm done with this child because it gets that intense. Sad thing is, it's hard to form any type of relationship with a child who gets on your last nerve!!! Please help

[SecondAve]

Oh how I feel your pain. I am/was going through the exact same thing, although dck was not teething just wanting undivided attention the entire day. The tantrums could get beyond extreme. The other kids would get upset by it also, one little guy would walk around covering his ears. It was so cute/sad to also see them try to console this child. The simplest of things could set the child off, ie not wanting to wear a hat outside, falling over and wanting to be picked up (note, child was not hurt and is fully capable of getting up on their own), the list is endless.

I absolutely adore the family, they truly are wonderful people. Which is why I endured it almost daily since the beginning of January. At the beginning of this month I just decided enough is enough. Especially since the days the child wasn't here everything was smooth and calm. So at the beginning of May gave them a notice of termination. My contract says only 2 weeks are required, but out of consideration I gave them an entire month. The days still drag on and I can't wait for the end of next week, but I take comfort in now knowing it is only temporary.

I will admit I go through moments of guilt over my decision, but then I also feel such relief. I'll let you know next week once the child is no longer here, but I have a feeling it will be wonderful, as terrible as it is to admit it.

[Momof4]

Problem with that is that with a daycare setting and with the nice weather, we spend our time outdoors so this isn't really suitable for me. Like I said, teething will pass its just coping through it but just so disruptive to me, the other dckids and to our day and I don't know how long I can handle this phase. At the same time, from the parents perspective, if I term this child, what do I really expect the parents to do? Quit their job? Arghh, so lost on this one! There are literally times where I feel like contacting mom and telling her I'm done with this child because it gets that intense. Sad thing is, it's hard to form any type of relationship with a child who gets on your last nerve!!! Please help

Mambia, you do not have to worry about what the clients will do if you terminate them. You must have a clause in your contract that says either party has to give 2 weeks (for instance) notice for a termination. If you need to do it, then do it!

3 months is a very long time for newbie screaming and I've been there, trust me. Sometimes all of a sudden the child gets happy and other times it keeps getting worse. When you reach your breaking point you know it and you have to terminate. But you don't have to worry about the rest of the world. If the parents wanted to change caregivers do you honestly think they would consider anything except what is best for them?

It sounds coldhearted, but it's only business. You are there to take care of all of the children and I bet all the other children are as miserable as you are right now. I've been there also.