Arriving Early For Pick Up BUT............

[Lucy]

I also find that if I'm not standing right there watching them parent (like if I've wandered back into the kitchen out of sight, but not out of earshot), they are much more likely to be firm and direct with their child .

Yes! It's kind of an awkward situation for both of us... the parents and the provider. WE want to straighten up the kid's attitude the same way we would if mom was not there, but we hold back because we don't want to look "mean". And I feel like mom holds back for the same reason.

I say that because I have a girl who just turned 2. She's only been coming about 5 months. All of a sudden, she started this new thing where when Mom comes in the door, she says hi, then runs down the hall, or around the living room, or over to the toys, or whatever. She tries to run away from us and thinks this is a fun game. I correct her, but in a sweeter voice than I would if Mom wasn't there (if ya know what I mean ) but the girl doesn't listen. It's like they know they don't have to listen to us when Mom is there! And I feel like Mom wants to yell at the girl, but keeps her voice sweet because she doesn't want me to think she's mean. LOL. It's a standoff! I usually end up picking up the girl and saying something silly like "are we going through the terrible twos already?" The whole time, the girl is squirming and trying to get down. Ugh. If I had cahones, I would just sternly correct the girl and tell her whatever I would tell her if Mom were NOT there. But I'm sure Mom is embarrassed at the girl's behavior, and wishes she could paddle her behind like she probably would at home. LOL