Parents Playing At Pick Up

[Alwaysgreener]

my suggestion would be to learn how to say "NO" to parents.

While I understand you are reasoning for saying no versus using my suggestions to prevent the situation from reoccurring. Sometimes situations that are basically minor can be resolved by preventing reoccurrence verses confrontation. In one of Tom Copeland blogs about policies he wrote you have to ask yourself what will make you happy. In this situation I would be happier not having to confront the parents a minor thing but prevent situation from reoccurring and if it happens again, I would start by reminding DCB that the toys are asleep and then confronting the parents that they need to go.

[Indoorvoice]

I have also had success with talking to the child about the end of the day rules and holding THEM accountable. Sometimes the child will even correct their parents for me now. It doesn't work for all of them, but it has for most of mine.

[Rockgirl]

I've had kids try from time to time. We pick up everything a little before closing time, and I read them books or we work on one thing together. When they try to get toys out, I say, "Oh--we're all done with the toys for today--they are all picked up. We can play tomorrow." I haven't had a parent allow their child to get them out after I say that, but I'm sure some would!

[Heart12]

I'm trying to figure out how to get one of my infant parents out of here faster! Every morning at drop-off she stays for 20-30min & then its the same thing at the end of the day! Lately Ive began cleaning up toys & trying not to engage in conversation so that she can just get her car seat & go. Sometimes she just stands there & watches me, & I feel like Im being soooo rude but it truly does bother me that she stays for so long

[Blackcat31]

I operate on contracted hours. If a parent is still present on my property after their contracted pick up time, they are billed $1 a minute (the first time) so... most my families pick up and go immediately.

They can play at home.... on their watch.

....those families that straggle and don't want to leave....it's because YOU are providing the entertainment and the supervision for their child. Makes for easy parenting... ::


I don't view this as confrontational at all.
It is simply time to go. ::


"Closing time
Open all the doors and let you out into the world
Closing time
Turn the lights up over every boy and every girl.
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer.
Closing time
You don't have to go home but you can't stay here." ~ Semisonic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGytDsqkQY8

[Crazy Baby]

I have a DCB that will do everything that he knows is against the rules as soon as his parent comes through the door. For example, he'll run into my bedroom and starts taking things out of the closet. It is so obnoxious because he knows that he is not suppose to do it and he knows that I will not do much about it in front of his parent. I just do not feel comfortable "disciplining" him while they are there. I feel that it is their job while they are present.

Anyway, the best solution I have found is to have him ready with coat on and all belongings ready to go when they arrive. I also have a no shoes on the carpet policy that his mom follows, so that helps to keep him out of the other part of my house.

[Blackcat31]

I have a DCB that will do everything that he knows is against the rules as soon as his parent comes through the door. For example, he'll run into my bedroom and starts taking things out of the closet. It is so obnoxious because he knows that he is not suppose to do it and he knows that I will not do much about it in front of his parent. I just do not feel comfortable "disciplining" him while they are there. I feel that it is their job while they are present.

Anyway, the best solution I have found is to have him ready with coat on and all belongings ready to go when they arrive. I also have a no shoes on the carpet policy that his mom follows, so that helps to keep him out of the other part of my house.

I am another provider that will not discipline a child while their parent is present. It goes directly against my philosophy on how I view parental responsibility.

How old is the child you mentioned above?

[Rockgirl]

I also believe the parents SHOULD handle their own child, but if a child was going into my bedroom closet and the parent just stood back and let it happen? I would definitely say something. That is a complete lack of respect on the child and parent's part--my bedroom is off limits to children, and I wouldn't think twice about saying no.

[Blackcat31]

I also believe the parents SHOULD handle their own child, but if a child was going into my bedroom closet and the parent just stood back and let it happen? I would definitely say something. That is a complete lack of respect on the child and parent's part--my bedroom is off limits to children, and I wouldn't think twice about saying no.

I would definitely say something too.....but to the parent not the child.

My physical space doesn't allow for children to re-enter the main area of my facility so that solves alot of the issue for me.

[Rockgirl]

I would definitely say something too.....but to the parent not the child.

My physical space doesn't allow for children to re-enter the main area of my facility so that solves alot of the issue for me.

Good point--address the parent and let them handle the child. I don't believe I've ever had a parent who would allow that, thank goodness!

[Ariana]

I usually play "speak for the parent" when parents try to pull this crap which thankfully has not happened too much. "Sorry Johnny it is time to go, mom can play chase when you get home....now go find your shoes" repeat over and over.

I agree with a previous poster that this is happening because of silence. If you don't feel comfortable addressing the parents, direct your response to the child. Keep talking to make sure you are in control of the conversation "did I tell you what X did today? It was so funny" Or "Did you guys have a good weekend" etc. Keep them focused on something else until they are out the door.

[Blackcat31]

Good point--address the parent and let them handle the child. I don't believe I've ever had a parent who would allow that, thank goodness!

I think I've had maybe two in 20+ years that let their kid run wild while doing/saying nothing...

I think it was different when I was younger than the parents but now that all my parents are MY kids' age it's natural to take a parental like role.

[Meeko]

I have no problem taking parents to task, mainly due to the fact that I am old enough to be their parent.

I do understand that it can be difficult to confront for some.

That's when it helps to talk to the child...with the comments directed at the parents.

"Sorry Johnny, you know we don't get the toys out after they have been put away! It's time for Miss ABC to spend time with her family now!"

Most parents would get the message without you having to tell them.

I did this before my backbone was fully developed LOL!