Refuses To Say All Done..

[WImom]

I have a two year old that will just sit forever at the table and refuses to say 'all done' or something like it.

I have everyone tell me they are done with the meal and they must stay in their seat until I clean their face and hands. I have over and over said are you done? He says yes and I remind him to tell me 'all done' when he is done. I'll even say can you say 'all done' and he just stares at me.

He has been here 2 months now. I usually just leave him at the table until last figuring he'll crack..... Any tips for this?

He can talk so not sure what the problem is. Not sure how to handle.

[youretooloud]

Is he doing the hand sign for "all done" instead?

Otherwise, I wouldn't get into a power struggle with him. If you say he's all done, wash his hands, and send him off to play.

[wdmmom]

I'd be willing to take a child that doesn't say "All done!" I have a daily struggle keeping my kids at the table until they are washed. If I don't move as fast as they want me to, they get up and run a muck! Grrr

[Zoe]

Keep doing what you're doing. At least he's staying at the table. I have my kids ask to be excused before they can get down. And I have the older ones clear their plates to the kitchen. The group I have it WONDERFUL about this! But it took a little while for them to understand they can't just get down whenever they want.

Give it some time. He seems stubborn but there doesn't seem to be any attitude about it.

[WImom]

Thanks, just wanted to make sure I wasnt being a meanie for leaving him there. Mine are really good about not leaving the table. I does take alot of go back and wait to be excused when they are new though.

[cheerfuldom]

Just decide for him and don't get into a struggle with it. Some kids are really stubborn in their own small ways.

[Christian Mother]

All my little guys are under 3 yr of age and not all of them will tell me when they are done but they are all really good eaters so I can pretty much tell when there done and don't sweat the small stuff. I just take there trays and wash them up and set them on there Marilee way.

[Hunni Bee]

You must haven't met Little Miss Finished yet: "Ms.___________ Im finished! Finished! Im finished!! Ms ____! Im finished!!! DONE!!" etc etc etc....

[Country Kids]

Does he know what you mean? Could it be that at home he just gets down or mom and dad just put him down. He may literally not know what you mean!

[MommyMuffin]

OMG!! I have a 3 year old dcb who does this. And then he just stares at me. I dont understand him at all.

He also does some other stuff that is really weird. To be honest I cant take it anymore. I dont know what is going on with him. I figure if I cant understand him or make a connection I will make room in my daycare for someone else. A little harsh I know, but I seriously dont know why he acts so strange.

(Sorry this is more of a vent) Obviously I'm not saying you should term him. I just got soooo excited reading your post because I thought I was the only one with a child like this and I've been feeling like the BIGGEST meannie.

[CheekyChick]

I have a two year old that will just sit forever at the table and refuses to say 'all done' or something like it.

I have everyone tell me they are done with the meal and they must stay in their seat until I clean their face and hands. I have over and over said are you done? He says yes and I remind him to tell me 'all done' when he is done. I'll even say can you say 'all done' and he just stares at me.

He has been here 2 months now. I usually just leave him at the table until last figuring he'll crack..... Any tips for this?

He can talk so not sure what the problem is. Not sure how to handle.

My children scream and yell that they're done, get up from the table, and start running around. I would be THRILLED to have a little one that sits patiently at the table. IMO, I would ask him when he's done, wash his hands/face, and let him get up and play.