5PM Criers

[bright sparks]

happymomma it sounds like you are doing all the right things. I would just add that when she misbehaves, don't argue with her, don't talk to her, hold her hand and walk, or if she is kicking and screaming scoop her up and put her in the car. Try to make minimal eye contact and do not talk to her to try and calm her down. This is attention seeking regardless of how much she wants to stay with her friends, so it is super important that you dont give her any beyond the firm face and No! I would be very consistent with disciplining her in that EVER SINGLE TIME she does this, I would stop her in her tracks and put my "I mean business face" on and tell her in a strong stern tone NO! Make sure you do not use lots of words and draw it out. Short and Sharp. Also don't be afraid to discipline her at the center. The staff will actually respect you for it. Time outs don't have to be exclusively for home. Many a time I have put my 2 year old dcb on a time out with his mother at my house.

Maybe try and have a discussion with the centre on how they could help with this. With the kids who understand, I start getting into a routine of getting them ready prior to their parents arrival and we go over unacceptable behaviors at pick up time and what the consequences will be if they misbehave. And then if she misbehaves it is essential to make sure you follow through on the consequences. If you could perhaps arrange a very specific time window within 5 minutes that you can pick up maybe they can get her ready like this and see if it helps.

It is a phase and I just think consistency will help her figure out that you aren't standing for her behavior and she will get through this phase I am sure. Good Luck