Did I over-React???

[mimi]

I agree with the other posters. I would not have called the parents for pick up, but would have had a talk with the parents and ask for reinforcement at home of my daycare's non-violence, anti-bullying policies.

As far as over reaction? I didn't see what you saw as far as the look on the dck's faces as they committed the act with the branch. If it was a look of maliciousness or enjoyment, that would have upset me too along with the injuries sustained.

I do see myself in your quick reaction with the parents. I have always been a quick reactionary when I see an injustice done and am fast with a verbal tongue lashing to the perpetrator (I refer to adults only). I have learned through experience that some careful thought needs to be done on my part before I do react to a situation. Sometimes my quick reaction was not well thought out and didn't fall on appreciative ears.

I think your heart was in the right place wanting to defend and stand up for this child (who happened to be your own), but you should have used this as an important teaching moment to show consequences for nasty actions, discuss the potential for greater injury, to show empathy to the victim and to apologize for their actions (all at the appropriate age level)

Have that chat you want to have with the parents. Let them know if it had been their child you would have been equally upset. I wouldn't apologize for what you did, but I would say you have learned to take a couple of extra moments to fully access a situation before you act. This will let them know that this kind of situation will not likely happen again.

I hope your daughter is o.k.

[Cadillac]

I hope your daughter is o.k.

She is fine. Her knee was pretty swollen last night. a few more bruises than before but shes not favouring it anymore today.

Next time I'll not send the kids home. I see now that was extreme but I wanted to make a point to those kids and the parents that this type of behavior will NEVER be accepted in any way. I thought that was a serious enough episode that the parents should be disciplining for it.

[smileyface]

I feel for you! These situations are never pleasant! It was a bit extreme to send those children home, but all of us humans sometimes react irrationally when we are upset. It would be great if some parents could extend a little more grace. Maybe realize that we are just people and are not perfect. It sounds like you've learned a lot through this situation, which is great. It's helping you become an even better daycare provider. It also sounds like you are a very cautious person and safety is extremely important to you (an awesome quality in a provider)! I would certainly prefer an overprotective provider over a careless one! I'm sorry that one of the families pulled their child out. It seems a little ironic... their mad at you for acting irrationally, but they themselves are now acting irrationally.