Was I Wrong?

[Laurel]

I will tell Mom that about the bananas today. Great idea about her bringing a snack for dcg for the car.

All of the kids were standing around because dcg was LOUD and kids loveeee some drama, so if I said yes to the banana, everyone would have heard/wanted one.

I also didn't want to reinforce that if dcg does something/asks in front of her Mom, I will give in. kwim? She KNOWS if she doesn't eat, I don't offer second chances.

We eat lunches outside in summer AND pm snack, we also go to the playground to picnic (on blankets!) on our field days. I see a hungry dcg and a mad dcm in our future.

I do know what you mean!

My children have always loved to eat outside. I like it too. We don't do picnics in the park per se but we take snacks/drinks sometimes.

Laurel

[sharlan]

I understand, in a way, where the mom is coming from, but not really, if that makes any sense at all.

My kids' first daycare fed all the kids, every single meal and snack, outside, regardless of the weather. The kids were not allowed to eat or drink anything in her house. She had a covered patio, but was open to the elements on the sides. My kids were no longer going there when my daughter finally told me. I never thought to question where they ate. I also never thought to question why her house was always so immaculate, either. No toys were allowed in the house. The kids either played in the converted playroom or outside.

[daycarediva]

My dcg is 2 years, 7 months almost to the day. She started with me the day after she turned 2. (I only take 2+) so she has never been here for summer before. My other kids all love love love outside, even in winter they are asking to go out, and crying when we have to come in. During summer I have to say POTTY BREAK, only ONE minutes inside, everyone hurry so we can go back out, etc because otherwise there WILL be meltdowns.

I have been just redirecting dcg to something fun (never works), and ignoring her whines completely(Im good at ignoring, thankfully!) I can't have her sit for the majority of her day. For instance yesterday we went out at 8:30 and came in at 11:30/prep lunch, we ate indoors since the kids had already cleaned and set the table. After nap, we were back outdoors from 2:30/snack until pickups. My last daycare kid left at 5:45 and we were still outside.

So out of dcg's 9.5 hour day at daycare, 5.5 hours were spent outside, the rest was drop offs/breakfast, lunch and nap. That is how it will be everyday in summer.

[sharlan]

If she truly hates being outside, what about setting a blanket down for her and letting her have some quiet activities like puzzles or something to do. She can either sit and play by herself or she can go run and play with her friends.

I don't think your are going to be able to force her to like the outdoors.

[sharlan]

As for the bananas, I wouldn't be passing them out to all the kids when they left, either.

My kids' one provider (the one who fed them outside) would give any child complaining of hunger a carrot as they walked out the door.

[Laurel]

As far as the whining/begging, etc. another provider I know had a good idea for that sort of thing. She hangs up a picture of a big ear and tells the child to "Go tell it to the Ear". I've heard of one provider who did this but had the president's picture on the wall, . At the time it was George Bush but now it could be Obama. "Go tell the president honey."

Laurel

[daycarediva]

As far as the whining/begging, etc. another provider I know had a good idea for that sort of thing. She hangs up a picture of a big ear and tells the child to "Go tell it to the Ear". I've heard of one provider who did this but had the president's picture on the wall, . At the time it was George Bush but now it could be Obama. "Go tell the president honey."

Laurel

:: omg that's hysterical! I just might steal that!!!


Sharlan- she won't sit down outside, on ANYTHING! Yep, that bad!

[MNMum]

This is group care. You are the one in charge. They don't have to like it, but you don't have to change your plans for one child. Keep doing what you are doing. Be honest with the parents that this is what you will continue doing. If either the mom or the kid don't adjust, then term. If the child is hungry enough, she will eat with the group. If her mom trains her to wait until pick-up and provide the snack for the car ride home, so be it.

In other words, I would have responded as you have!

[Laurel]

:: omg that's hysterical! I just might steal that!!!


Sharlan- she won't sit down outside, on ANYTHING! Yep, that bad!

::

Laurel