If a kid is having a really cranky day, what do you do?

[cheerfuldom]

Do you separate them at all or do you just go about your day and let them cry and whatnot right in the midst of the group? I have a 21 month old here today that is just having a heck of day. She normally is my easiest kiddo overall but just sobbing dramatically today. I rarely every get off my routine but today I tried to put her down for an early nap. Not happening. So I go into the room every few minutes now to get her out and into the activities but she instantly starts crying and carrying on (only when she sees me, not the whole time). I really can't stand a kid following me around and just sobbing her little eyes out if there is nothing wrong or nothing that I can do to help (no distracting, etc. is working). Would you just ignore it and let her cry in the playroom or keep her separated?

[momofsix]

Since this is not her usual behavior, I would think something's up like she's not feeling good or she had a rough night-that type of thing. I wouldn't "punish" ( I know you're not, but seperating her might feel like it to her) her for feeling miserable. I'd try a few extra cuddles and some extra attention. I'd check her temp too, and make sure to mention to mom that she wasn't herself.
Poor thing...and poor you too for having to suffer along with her!

[GretasLittleFriends]

I had a similar situation today. I have a little one who is going to be 1 next Thursday (4/28) who is having a super cranky day today. Pacifier wasn't helping. Belly full, shorts dry. Crying and wanted to be picked up, so I picked her up. She kept crying because she wanted to be put down, so I put her down. This went on for a little bit. I ended up giving her a dose of tylenol and sent her back to bed. Not sure if she is teething or still has a headache from the minor concussion she suffered Sunday. Needless to say, she's sleeping now and I (mom) am a happy camper. No dc kids 'til after school today. Time to get the house ready for our Easter/Birthday party on Sunday.

Is there something wrong with her? Aches? New teeth growing?

[daycare]

I make sure that in the morning I ask the parents for any important info. Like did the child sleep well, how are they feeling, anything out of the ordinary going on... You would be surprised what parents tell me.....EX this morning I asked DCM how is everyone today, any thing I should be aware of? Mom says yes had a horrible night last night, my BF got a DUI and flipped his car, so we have been up all night trying to find out what jail my BF was in. ????

Um, you took your kid out with you in the middle of the night looking for your BF? Yup she did. Ok got it.

So knowing this I offered breakfast right away as the child was the first one here and then put him back to sleep. the child is 4.5 and was able to tell me alllllll about it...ugh. But had I not known, I would have not understood why he was having a hard day...

My advice for future is to make it a habbit to ask questions like the ones listed above to the parents in the mroning at drop off...

I would also think that if the behavior is not normal that the child might be starting to get ill. Maybe thier ears hurt or something like this?? I would call the mom and let them know how the child is acting and just ask if everything is ok. I have done it before......

[cheerfuldom]

I always ask about how the evening/night before went. Mom said everything was good. The DCG is finally down for a nap and will be picked up early for an appointment (not related to this morning) so we are hanging in there. My assistant was able to get her to calm down enough to go for a walk.