Lingering.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I know we have discussed this multiple times. But, I have found that my worst lingerers are the ones who have their 3rd/4th children here. The first time Moms will give a couple of hugs and then leave. The 3rd/4th time parents will give a million hugs, ask the child if they are ok several times, give them some more hugs, hold them, let them cry (or start getting pouty), and then will leave. These are parents utilizing our services as a Preschool not as a daycare.

It is just the strangest thing I have ever seen. I am at a loss at this point. The parents are as sweet as pie, but I honestly don't have time for lingering when I have 9+ other children to tend to. It throws off our schedule. They don't linger at pick up just at drop off.

I have tried, "Tell Mommy/Daddy bye!" when Mom/Dad is still holding them.
I have tried taking the child into the other room (which works, if they let their child walk in that day and aren't holding them. I can't rip the child from their death grip!).
I have tried, "It's time to go to XYZ! Let's go!" which again will only work if they are on the floor. If they're in Mommy or Daddy's arms then naturally they won't want to leave.

[Blackcat31]

Haha, this just happened here this morning and I had to tell a DCM that she need not come in and wait for a time to "sneak" away but that it was ok to just drop and go.

I try the same tactics you mentioned and when/if that fails, I call or schedule a time to talk with parents uninterupted and just lay it out there.

I just explain to them that I don't have time to have drop offs last for longer than x amount of minutes as I have other children in care. I also explain that my job is to prepare children for school and part of that is separating easily and quickly from their parent and would they assist me in doing this.

I also tell them "rest assured, should your child not adjust within a few minutes of drop off, I will call them immediately" so if they feel the need to go park down the block for a few minutes, they surely can and if they don't hear from me within 15 minutes, they are free to go about their day.

[My3cents]

I find it to be the worst when it is the first child and or only child.

Parents don't understand that this causes their child anxiety.

I have to make an effort to not go into conversations with my parents. I have great parent's and I like chatting, finding out how the weekend was or evening, what they did or didn't do. Small talk. Grown up talk to a long day of a kid talk. So as much as I blame my parents, I can contribute to this just as much if I stand back and look at it. I just keep working at it. I don't want to come across as cold and not caring too.

If asked what part of the day I dislike the most, it is the coming and going of the kids and parents. Just Go!

I have tons of understanding for how hard it is for a parent to leave the child, but my insides are screaming your coming back and don't be late....:: and then just go, because your coming back......:: I don't want you to talk in your baby voice to your child so I can see how great of a parent you are. I know your great! I see it in your child! Just go.....please just go, drop and go, and come back and then just go.

Think I could make a one hit wonder with my lyrics........just go ok--- happy monday everyone and silly me

feeling your frustrations and Best-