At My Wit's End After Only 4 Days!

[AfterSchoolMom]

I posted earlier in the week about the new SA that started on Monday. I have put up with a lot of things from a lot of kids, and have worked hard to work with them and get them to adjust and get used to our routine here.

However, I just don't think I have it in me to deal with this child. He came in today and threw popcorn ALL over my kitchen, refused to clean it up, wouldn't look at me when I was talking to him, interrupted me in the middle of talking to him to talk to the other kids, danced around during homework time, sang, made rude noises, talked about bodily functions and got the other kids doing it too (one of my pet peeves and something that is very against the rules), stomped on my child's ankle on purpose, burped very loudly on purpose, and the icing on the cake - laughed at me when I became angry and raised my voice (which I NEVER do). It takes me a solid hour of hounding him to get him to sit and do ONE homework worksheet, and it's only been four days and this horrifying behavior is already rubbing off on the other kids.

I was very excited to take this child and his sibling in because I need the extra money, and because I knew his Mom a bit from previous school years. His sibling is perfectly behaved and his parents are SUPER nice people. I've never, ever, ever termed so quickly, but I refuse to yell and scream every afternoon for the next three months straight. I'm afraid that if I term so quickly, the parents (who I see all the time both at school and around town) will be angry, plus I know it will put them in a tough spot because it took them awhile to find me in the first place.

What should I do?

[daycare]

First of relax.... the kids doing this to see you get mad and get a rise out of you and its working.
When he makes fart sounds or such, you say wow kids isn't that really gross when John does that. Let’s ask him to use his manners. If he has no audience, eventually he will stop.
When he does things that are good get everyone to notice. get them to cheer and praise him as well as you.



I have coached youth sports all boys age from 5 to 18. I have dealt with all kinds of this stuff and its all for a reaction.

While I never want to belittle a child, sometimes you need to show them who's boss, not by getting mad and yelling, but by putting them in their place quietly and respectfully.

[momatheart]

I think he is testing you to see where he fits in. I also think he is trying to pull some power over you. Let him know you like him but this behavior you do not and you will be talking to mom about it when she picks up. I would talk to mom right infront of this child and let her know what he did maybe then he will change this behavior. He may get really embarassed that he was called out on his behavior and change it.l

[kidkair]

One of my dad's favorite tricks for dealing with kids like this is to whisper instructions. For some reason a stern whisper can be more threatening then yelling.

[momatheart]

One of my dad's favorite tricks for dealing with kids like this is to whisper instructions. For some reason a stern whisper can be more threatening then yelling.

whispering when you are trying to get their attention to be quiet works wonderfully for me.

[AfterSchoolMom]

When he makes fart sounds or such, you say wow kids isn't that really gross when John does that. Let’s ask him to use his manners. If he has no audience, eventually he will stop.

I can already say that if I were to do that, the kids would say "hahaha, no it's funny". He's doing it because he has a very willing, giggly audience.


I have never run into a situation where I had such strong dislike for a child before. It is very disturbing.

[daycare]

I can already say that if I were to do that, the kids would say "hahaha, no it's funny". He's doing it because he has a very willing, giggly audience.


I have never run into a situation where I had such strong dislike for a child before. It is very disturbing.

keep enforcing it... show all of the kids how much dislike you have for the farting and so forth. The kids that you already have their respect will follow you.. trust me.

I have been working with boys for almost 20 years now. the ones that respect you will back you in your words toward the badly behaved kids.. It may take time, but they will

If you lose it and yell, they will lose respect for you

[youretooloud]

You could try taking his homework away from him, tell him to go sit down and watch TV while the other children finish their homework in peace and quiet. Don't even let him think you want him to finish his homework... just put his backpack away immediately and ask him to go sit in the other room. "You can do your homework at home with your parents".

Honestly, if I had a kid that I DREADED, I'd drop him from care. It's not fair to you, the other kids, or even him. He may be obnoxious, but he wants to be liked. (none of us can possibly like every kid.. some kids are hard to like) If he's making your job hard to do now, can you imagine what summer will be like?

When he's being rude, say "OK.. thank you for sharing that...." then go back to what you were doing. Don't say it flippantly, say it honestly, as if you were more than happy to hear what he was saying, but, he said it....goody.. and now we can get back to reality.

[AfterSchoolMom]

Oh no, I don't do SA's in the summer. That's the only thing keeping me going this year...there's a light at the end of my tunnel come June!

[Little People]

I would of taken pictures of his popcorn mess and showed it to his parents. I would also record his behavior and play it to his parents IN FRONT OF HIM!

As far as the homework..I would not fight with him on it, send it home for parents to do.

Here is a big huggg!!

[missnikki]

Guess who would be getting day-old floor popcorn for snack today...

[SandeeAR]

Guess who would be getting day-old floor popcorn for snack today...

ROFL! Someone that thinks like me::

[daycare]

ROFL! Someone that thinks like me::

funny...lmao but gross.....

[momatheart]

Did you say anything at pick up?

[AfterSchoolMom]

Did you say anything at pick up?

Yes I did, and DCD was very understanding. Apparently it's not just here but at home as well. They're going to have a talk, but he said "if you can think of anything to do to deal with it, let us know!" My face looked like this:

I think that they knew full well what I'd be getting into and didn't say anything (Nannyde, you were right as always!). They're really nice people and I think it was more an act of desperation than anything else.

I still don't know if I'm going to keep going though. Sigh.