What would you do?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

3.5-year-old only child:
-Ignores or scream tantrums when told to do something by me, to which she gets put in time alone for.
-Is randomly rude to me (ex: I hand her the pull-up she needs to put on for naptime and say please go potty first and put the pull-up on. She slaps it from my hand onto the floor and looks at me defiantly. She was told not to do that to an adult.)
-Is mean to the other children (ex: 2-year-old is upset that she couldn't get on the see-saw because this child is on it and she is pointing saying, "Ha ha ha ha!" in a sing songy voice. She got told to get off the see-saw because she was being mean.)
-Has no friends BECAUSE of the mean behavior, despite numerous talks about it
-Uses a high pitched screeching voice at random, to which we now say, "Please stop using that voice."
-Whines just about everything, to which we just say, "Whining." so she knows we will not speak if that is how she is choosing to talk now.
-Bosses everyone around, to which we say, "Stop."

Parents:
-Constantly late picking up (anywhere from 15-38 minutes).
-Sometimes asking for things outside of what we offer, knowingly.
-Say to let them know if we have ANY issues, which we do, but nothing seems to be improving at all.

They have been here about three months now and in two weeks I will be working alone so I NEED to get this nipped in the bud as it is not only irritating but just not good for my group. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?!

[SSWonders]

I think three months is more than long enough to have tried to get things into a good working relationship. Doesn't sound like this is it. I'd term.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I think three months is more than long enough to have tried to get things into a good working relationship. Doesn't sound like this is it. I'd term.

I have thought about that very seriously and I have terminated clients before. However, it is usually for very unruly or violent behavior. Some days, she is compliant with me. Some days, she is not. I ONLY mention it to Mom when it has been a pretty rough day so now I feel like I am not in as good of a position to do so since I haven't mentioned it all. She, however, is always mean/bossy/whiney. Those characteristics I haven't mentioned to her parents before. I usually try to work out the kinks myself until I reach the end of my rope and then I enlist the parents assistance saying this HAS to stop. I just did it for a little one here and it has worked wonders.

[NightOwl]

3 months is beyond enough time for her to have adjusted. At this point, she's not going to adjust. This is just how she is. I am a person who sticks it out for as long as humanly possible, but I think you've done that. I'd give notice.

[BrooklynM]

I would probably term after 3 months. Obviously her parents don't respect you by being late, they probably don't respect their child or demand respect from their child. Kids can have disrespectful moments once an a while, but by 3.5 they should know better, at least apologize if they hurt someone and feel bad. It sounds like this kid doesn't care and the parents don't seem like they care. They wouldn't fit in here. Mutual respect is not something I'm willing to negotiate...

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I am going to be working alone in 2 weeks so I am very, very nervous about it because of this child. A mean, defiant child makes the days long and difficult.

A term letter would be a GIGANTIC surprise, though, and I would honestly feel bad. Curse my bleeding heart. Or, would it not be a big surprise if I said I am just continuing to have issues with her listening or being kind to me/not throwing screaming tantrums and I "regretfully" have to give notice and hopefully she finds a great place with a different caregiver?

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Termed and have 3 weeks left here. Thanks ladies.

[SSWonders]

How did it go?

[Meyou]

I would most likely have termed too. I've BTDT and don't want another tshirt. She sounds like a pleasant little peach. Not.

How did Mom and Dad take it?

[Josiegirl]

Nobody likes to term. But sometimes it's the only thing left for the sake of your group and your own sanity. And I'm pretty sure dcm knew all along what a handful her dd can be. You did tell her about problems and you said nothing had really changed. Sounds like you gave it your all. Nothing to feel badly about!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

She asked why she was not made aware of any issues before. I said I told her many times and this is what is best for everyone. She is fighting it but it is still happening.