Here's the thing, if these parents are not willing to modify the way they do things at home then I can't see this just miraculously improving within a few weeks, no matter what you do. I have an AP child and after two weeks of screaming, not a tear in sight, I gave the parents a 2 week probationary notice. If I didn't see any improvement then our contract would end on such a date. I didn't just give this to the parents though I had an extensive and in depth conversation after hours and without the child present. It really needed to be a two way conversation not just me telling them what they should and shouldn't do. Mum said she would let him cry it out, and she stopped co sleeping and within a 3 day weekend at home with mum and dad and these changes in place it made a big difference. I've had this guy for nearly 3 months and he is generally terrific. It's very obvious when the parents have been lax towards things and I have to remind them after a bad day and they ALWAYS apologize and admit they had a rough weekend.

If they aren't going to reinforce what you are trying to teach the child, then the chances of success are slim. I know some providers say the child learns the two different sets of rules and adapt, but AP children are generally the exception. My little AP child is only upset when he goes for a nap, lasts 5mins max normally except Mondays can be closer to 30, when he is dropped off he is clingy and screams and the rest of the time he is an absolute joy. Prior to speaking to his parents though he was constantly screaming, even if I picked him up or gave him my full attention, he simply wanted his mother.