At a bit of a loss-looking for advice

[kindertime]

Any idea what went on at the interim daycare? Did they use the t.v. a lot? I wouldn't rule that out given the behaviour you're seeing now. She may have learned it from another child there. If she didn't watch t.v at your house last year, she didn't learn it from you! I think it is a good idea what Lee-Bee said; your t.v. should "break" someday. It will cause "pain" at that time, but ultimately you'll be providing the service you want. You can't have t.v. on when you're outside, eating, napping, etc. Okay, this is probably going to sound like a dumb idea, but many years ago, when I was a nanny, I got the child to stop whining for me by whining myself. Kind of like imitating, but I did it more like a game. "Hey, let's all cry real loud!" I would lie on the floor too and kick and scream. Took the power out of her whine. Of course I was a lot younger then.

[bright sparks]

Any idea what went on at the interim daycare? Did they use the t.v. a lot? I wouldn't rule that out given the behaviour you're seeing now. She may have learned it from another child there. If she didn't watch t.v at your house last year, she didn't learn it from you! I think it is a good idea what Lee-Bee said; your t.v. should "break" someday. It will cause "pain" at that time, but ultimately you'll be providing the service you want. You can't have t.v. on when you're outside, eating, napping, etc. Okay, this is probably going to sound like a dumb idea, but many years ago, when I was a nanny, I got the child to stop whining for me by whining myself. Kind of like imitating, but I did it more like a game. "Hey, let's all cry real loud!" I would lie on the floor too and kick and scream. Took the power out of her whine. Of course I was a lot younger then.

Haha I've done that for whining kids too and it's worked! This child however is not whining, she is flat out crying and quite obviously distressed.

I've spoken to mum a lot this afternoon as today was terrible. The tv thing has come from home and she has held her hands up to it. She has said its typically on all day for background noise. I've said that perhaps at this point if that's all it is, switch to a cable or online radio station and limit her to a set amount of shows per day. I also suggested having a replacement safe place where she can teach her to go if she is sad or unhappy. She has a play tent that she is going to set up and talk to her about while she is in good spirits. She also spoke with her husband this afternoon and she has called child and family services for her area for some support. I hope with these moves we can help things improve. TV is off tomorrow...period. Not looking forward to the entire mornings spent with a kid standing and crying. I know this is behavioural, but it's not a temper tantrum. She withdraws and its debilitating for her. She can't follow direction from that point on even with adult led activities. I'm hoping the professional who gets involved can help at home and offer resources for me too.