Kids Constantly Wanting Mom, No Quality Time With Parents

[jojosmommy]

I have a 3 yr old and 1 yr old who constantly cry for mommy. Mom works and goes to school and really NEVER sees her kids. Dad is no better playing softball on the weekends and always has kids at gmas or aunties. Breaks my heart. Last Friday after being at daycare 10 hrs 5 days dad picked up and was on the phone asking gma to be at the house in 15 min so he could meet mom for a dinner date. This monday the kids were both terrible. 3 yr old cried for 2 hours at nap." I want my mommy!" I am afraid the 1 yr old is picking up on it too. Before she was too little to make much of a fuss about it but now she is crying ALOT at nap and seems more unsettled at daycare.

3 yr old behavior is very difficult to deal with when mom has worked or had school 10, 12, 14 days in row. Can't really blame the kid, he isnt getting what he NEEDS but I can't allow it at my house either.

How do you deal with this? I mentioned to mom at pick up (a RARE mom pick up) on monday that 3 yr old cried for upwards of 2 hours "mommy, mommy etc" but she didnt respond to it really. Do I just keep telling them that they are acting this way or do I put up with it?

[cheerfuldom]

Do you feel that you are at a point where you would term if things didn't improve? If you are there, I would plan a meeting with both parents and really lay it all out. It may not change anything for them but there is only so much you can do. Awful situation though. Some parents just feel that they are providing the necessities and you are just as good with providing activity, etc. so why do they need to be there so much? OR they are just plain out selfish and the crying will not pull at their heart enough for them to care or change anything.

[jojosmommy]

No, I wont term for a number of reasons but one being that my son and this 3 yr old adore each other. Also, these two kids need the consistency and discipline I provide-obviously none at home- and I need the income so basically I trade discipline and love for money. ; )

I am just wondering if there are ways to get the point across that these kids NEED mom/dad time or should I just **** it up b/c they won't change anyway.

[Mom_of_two]

I would look at the kids behavior and if it too difficult to work with them, term.

Unless I am asked, (or if I were ever to see a case of abuse) I don't think it is my business what parents do (or don't do with their kids) on their own time. Whether I choose to work with them is, of course, but not their free time, so I would not say anything besides the typical daily report, stating the facts (crying for mom, unhappy, etc.), but that'd be it.