Troublesome 2yr Old....

[5 Little Monkeys]

I once had a family that wasn't just on a different page from me but they were in a whole 'nother book!! Lol. Their child was my handful in that group and I started to dread my days. I didn't really have a concrete reason to terminate (other than saying you and your child drive me crazy!) so I kept them and tried different approaches with them. I was VERY strict with the parents in regard to policies and I would give them an honest report of her day. They always asked for advice and dad would agree with me and want to try my way but mom never did. They eventually put her in ft preschool and I was so relieved! Now, I am more thorough in interviews (at least I try to be) and I ask more about how they parent. I've learned that it's just not worth my sanity to have a family that is that much different than me....obviously we will never find parents exactly like us but they were just too different from me and it resulted in us not meshing well! I was extremely grouchy, naggy and just not a fun provider when I had her.....although I didn't really realize this until she was gone!

What did work with her though was.....she loved the pink chairs at the table. If she had a good day she was allowed to sit on a pink one instead of the green one at afternoon snack. Time outs, missing out on art, taking toys away, none of that worked! The pink chair was, for whatever reason, important to her and this "treat" helped her behave a lot better!

Eta..outside toys. I allow them but if it's not being shared than it goes away(this is the rule for dc toys too). I've never had problems with this and for the most part no one brings any! If it did cause issues though I would just talk to the parents and ask that the toy stay home or in the car.