Unsatisfied Parent

[Cindylou]

Yesterday a parent of a 3 1/2 year old told me she was starting her son in preschool in April in the same town that they live in. He has been with me since he was 3 months old. I understood and felt that this was the right decision for this child.

Today a family member tells me that the mom has been unhappy with me for some time. I work with all my 3 year olds on colors, counting, cutting and such but this child will not sit still for the activities so he is difficult to "teach" and has a little bit harder time catching onto a concept. Should I ask her what she was unhappy with? Should I explain that all children learn at different speeds? Or should I just let it go?

I have been so frustrated lately. I work on a week's worth of activities all weekend and then it takes 10 minutes for the kids to lose interest. I am looking at curriculums online to make things a bit easier but haven't found the right one yet, plus it is a strange time of year to start.

Thanks for your advice.

Cindy

[Blackcat31]

Personally I would let it go. I would never get into a he said, she said discussion. If the mom that is supposedly unhappy hasn't actually told you that herself, then I would not give it a second thought.

As far as preschool goes, you are correct about them losing interest after only a small amount of time. It is because pre-school is really not developmentally appropriate at that age.

If I were you, I would simply go on about my business and start advertising to fill the space as kids coming and then aging out of daycare is just par for the course in this line of work.

NEVER take anything personal. ALL families will always do what is best for them, as should you.

[cheerfuldom]

Just leave it. You can't be sure what was said when it is not coming directly plus, even if a complaint was made, that doesn't mean you were doing anything wrong. Perhaps her son is a bit difficult, in which case, his teacher will say the same things that you have said in the past and she will see that it is not about who is teaching him all the time....some kids just dont have the skills, focus or enthusiasm for learning especially at a young age.

[sharlan]

I agree, don't let it get to you. Parent will do what is best for their situation.

I also agree, don't get involved in a "he said, she said" situation. No one wins.

I remember a little girl I had that left me after 5 years to stay home with Grandma. I mean, really, how could she rather stay home with Grandma than come to my house. I was really hurt for a couple of days.

[Ariana]

I'm puttng my DD in preschool next year at 3 yrs because I want her to get used to other people and more adults, other children besides the ones here and get her used to being away from me. It's only a 2 1/2 hour program 3X per week though. I also "teach" stuff at daycare but I want her to get more structure and I don't provide that all the time here. Obviously I like myself and my program but I don't offer what I want my child to have (hopefully that makes sense!!). I agree with Blackcat to not take it personally. Maybe she is unhappy with your program or maybe she just wants something different because it doesn't work for her but that doesn't mean you should change anything.

Unless she brings it up to you I'd let it go. Even of she does bring it up to you I wouldn't necessarily change anything.

[Snapdragon]

As others have said, I would not take it personally. People have different ideas about what they want for their children.

[CheekyChick]

I would definitely tell the DCM that you are sorry she has been dissatisfied, but she needs to know that children learn at different paces and that her son hasn't shown much interest thus far.

I know it's hard when parents have high expectations and then feel let down when their child isn't learning as fast as they would like them to. I have a little boy (3 1/2) who can read up a storm and an almost 5 year old girl who is just now reading simple words. We teach them the very same thing, but some are interested and excited to learn, while others daydream and show little interest.

It's not your fault. You cannot make them learn until they are ready.

[VTMom]

I'd let it go. Keep in mind there are people that are never satisfied and always feel more is owed. I have a family like this and it makes me so insecure at times. I never receive a thanks, a compliment, a job well done, etc. DH has to remind me that some people are like this and that there's a good chance they would be like this anywhere they go.

[wdmmom]

I would let it go.

She might not be happy and that's ok. You aren't going to make everyone happy.

I also tell DCF's that preschool is an added bonus that I don't charge for. If they aren't happy about him learning, they should put him in a preschool.

Most of us are only daycares without teaching credentials. (I said MOST!) There are some people on here that have the education, degree, certificate to teach, etc.

Just remember this:

A school doesn't give you a PROMISE or a GUARANTEE that your child WILL learn. We can't either.

Children will be given the tools and will have the opportunity to participate in activities that may be beneficial to their education. It doesn't mean they will participate or have any involvement.