Default Style Register
Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>How Would You Deal With This 3 Year Old?
PolkaTots 06:00 AM 01-08-2013
I recently enrolled a 3yo DCG PT...she refuses to take a nap, although it is my policy that anyone under 5 is required to have a rest period, her mother keeps telling her it's ok if she doesn't want to take one, and to just go play quietly. I do not allow any type of play during rest time, as the other children see this and want to get up. If they want to read a book on thier nap cot, I will allow that though. I have tried to get her lay on her cot, and she throws a huge tantrum, not allowing anyone else to nap.

Here is how yesterday went:
(at 1pm)"DCG, it's time for rest time."
"No, my mommy said I don't have to lay down."
"DCG, you don't have to rest, but you do need to stay on your cot so we don't wake the others. You can grab a book if you'd like."

She did go and lay on her cot, but then proceeded for the next 15 minutes to keep talking to the other children, and messing with their nap cots so they would respond to her. I gave her 2 warnings, and then removed her from the room (play area and sleeping area are seperated by a partition, so everyone was still in view. Once moved to the other area, she kicked her cot over, threw her blanket and pillow across the room, and threw a wild tantrum on the floor. I waited about 15 minutes to see if she would calm down, and she didn't. I tried to talk to her to calm her down, and finally resorted to having her sit in the calm down chair. I told her as soon as she made the choice to calm down, she could get down, but I still expected her to be quiet. She sat in the chair and was thrashing around and yelling, "I hate you, I hate your house! You're not the boss, my mommy is the boss!" This continued for some time...and finally tapered off about 3pm (which was also her pick up time). I did discuss with her mom how she acted, and she told her to just go to the play area and play quietly. To which I responded, I do require rest time for everyone, which she knows Needless to say, the infants, toddlers, and preschoolers did not even take nap...which made for some pretty crabby kiddos

Although she is a pretty good little girl during up time, rest time is just unbearable. Would you continue to work with this child...or just term since you are still in the trial period?
Reply
laundrymom 06:04 AM 01-08-2013
I'm sorry, those are your mommys rules. She's not the boss here. Lay down now.
Reply
Willow 06:05 AM 01-08-2013
I would stop trying to work it with the child altogether. Without mom on board with your rules there is no way this will get better.

Talk to mom directly, these are my rules, this is why I need everyone to follow them, I need you to be supportive so we can remedy this nap time issue promptly. If she doesn't agree and has no plans to back you up then be prepared to have the "or else you need to move on" conversation.
Reply
Lilbutterflie 06:08 AM 01-08-2013
If it were me, I would probably term over this if it continued.

I would let her know that your program is not a good fit for them since you require that each child lay on their cots to rest during rest time. She is being extremely disruptive to the rest of the group, and therefore they are not taking their naps either. The other part of this is that it's the first red flag to you that mom expects "special" for her child. She seems to understand that ALL of the other children have to rest; but expects you to allow her child to play instead. Definitely NOT someone you want to have long term in your program!!
Reply
MamaBearCanada 06:13 AM 01-08-2013
The real problem isn't the girl it's the mom. The mother is telling her (indirectly) that she doesn't have to follow your rules. Your house your rules, but if the mom isn't on board with that and thinks that exceptions should be made for her daughter then I doubt this will be the last issue you have.

I'd talk to the mom and tell her nicely that everyone needs to lie on their mat during rest time and that she needs to help her daughter understand that. If she starts to argue make it clear that this issue, like all your rules, is not up for debate. They follow the rules or they leave.
Reply
SilverSabre25 06:13 AM 01-08-2013
This is not something to address with the child, this is definitely something to address with the parent, and I have a feeling that you are going to have to term to deal with it.

The most important thing to enforce with mom is "Your house, your rules!" She does NOT get to dictate the way things are at your house. If a parent came in here and told their child that they could just go play instead of laying down like I told them, I would be livid.

"Dcm, we're having a problem here. It is not at all appropriate for you to tell dcg that she can disobey me and go play when she's supposed to be laying on her cot. My rule is that children don't have to sleep, but they do have to stay on their cot. If you keep encouraging dcg to disobey that rule, I'm going to let you go because I can't work with parents who won't work with me."
Reply
Heidi 06:18 AM 01-08-2013
I would call mom out on this. Call her after hours when the child is not in earshot, and explain that in your program, ALL children are required to have a rest period. You might get a little empathy if you try the "surely you understand that with 8 children here, everyone, me included, needs a break."

As for napping, it's the "you can lead a horse to water..". You are not forcing anyone to sleep, but they do need to rest.

I personally would give her a nap spot in a far corner of the house (is there a hallway that is fairly dark nearby?" Set her up there with 3 books (you are 3, so you get to pick 3 books). If she is quiet, she can keep her books, otherwise no books. When she shows you that she can be quiet, then she can rest with her friends. Otherwise, she needs to have her own place to rest.

As for toys, I do allow older children to have a quiet toy to sleep with. One of my boys sleeps every day with 3 or 4 wooden trains. He is not a stuffed animal guy, but he lays down happily cuddling his trains. Some of the kids would go pick a stuffed animal or doll. For my 4 yo's, they got a little box of quiet choices (books, a few toys, maybe a handheld game for preschoolers, or a story reader with headphones) and a seperate spot. Sometimes they slept, sometimes they didn't. But, they were happy and quiet for up to 3 hours!

But, that is not your policy, so I'm not saying change it. It's just what's worked for me.
Reply
youretooloud 06:19 AM 01-08-2013
WOW! I would never allow a parent who thought she could dictate our rules. If she said that in front of me, i'd step in right away so mom can hear it.

I'd also put her cot in an area that the other kids can't see or hear her.

That's like saying "You don't have to eat miss Kathy's lunch, she can make you something else".
Reply
Heidi 06:21 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by youretooloud:
WOW! I would never allow a parent who thought she could dictate our rules. If she said that in front of me, i'd step in right away so mom can hear it.

I'd also put her cot in an area that the other kids can't see or hear her.

That's like saying "You don't have to eat miss Kathy's lunch, she can make you something else".

Reply
PolkaTots 07:15 AM 01-08-2013
I do allow a quiet toy or lovie for children over 12 months to sleep with...however, I do not allow them to get up to play freely in the play area or to have toys that make noise at rest time. (ie. talking dolls)

Originally Posted by Heidi:
I would call mom out on this. Call her after hours when the child is not in earshot, and explain that in your program, ALL children are required to have a rest period. You might get a little empathy if you try the "surely you understand that with 8 children here, everyone, me included, needs a break."

As for napping, it's the "you can lead a horse to water..". You are not forcing anyone to sleep, but they do need to rest.

I personally would give her a nap spot in a far corner of the house (is there a hallway that is fairly dark nearby?" Set her up there with 3 books (you are 3, so you get to pick 3 books). If she is quiet, she can keep her books, otherwise no books. When she shows you that she can be quiet, then she can rest with her friends. Otherwise, she needs to have her own place to rest.

As for toys, I do allow older children to have a quiet toy to sleep with. One of my boys sleeps every day with 3 or 4 wooden trains. He is not a stuffed animal guy, but he lays down happily cuddling his trains. Some of the kids would go pick a stuffed animal or doll. For my 4 yo's, they got a little box of quiet choices (books, a few toys, maybe a handheld game for preschoolers, or a story reader with headphones) and a seperate spot. Sometimes they slept, sometimes they didn't. But, they were happy and quiet for up to 3 hours!

But, that is not your policy, so I'm not saying change it. It's just what's worked for me.

Reply
PolkaTots 07:19 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by youretooloud:
WOW! I would never allow a parent who thought she could dictate our rules. If she said that in front of me, i'd step in right away so mom can hear it.

I'd also put her cot in an area that the other kids can't see or hear her.

That's like saying "You don't have to eat miss Kathy's lunch, she can make you something else".

I did move her cot to the other room, which is out of sight to the other children (I can still see her), but it is not possible for her to be out of earshot. Per registration guidelines, (Level B in Iowa) I must operate on one level of my home and I must be able to view all children under 1 and hear all children over 1 at nap time...her tantrum was so loud, there was no place in my home I could move her where she would not be heard.
Reply
My4SunshineGirlsNY 07:28 AM 01-08-2013
I honestly don't think some parents take the time to think how a daycare providers day is if there are not strict rules. They only see their little "prince or princess" as the main focus and don't realize if they are not laying quietly than it disrupts all the other kids.

Some parents don't see it as a big deal if their child doesn't want to nap and are playing quietly, but in reality it IS a big deal because like you said all the other kids see one child playing quietly so they think it is ok for them to do the same, then all of a sudden instead of quiet naptime you get a handful of kids playing "quietly" which then becomes loudly and in the end you have NO naptime for anyone which equals a bunch of cranky kids.

I don't know exactly how you explained it to the mom but try to role play it for her like I just explained so she can envision it and then she will see that playing quietly is a big deal in the daycare setting.

If she doesn't get it and continues to tell her daughter she doesn't have to lay down, it's time to move on.
Reply
ashleyh 07:40 AM 01-08-2013
This reminds me of one we worked with awhile - Mom was inadvertently telling DCG not to follow rules although she had be told it was state law she must lay down because she "didn't see why they state should be able to tell a parent what to do"

So with another assistant watching the kids I would leave with DCG to the back porch, let her throw her fit and told her the rules here are to lay down. After a while of throwing fits and not getting the other kids on board/attention with her it lessened.
Reply
countrymom 08:02 AM 01-08-2013
doesn't sound like mom is on board. This is where I would tell the little girl that this is your house and this is your rule. I don't require children at that age to sleep but I do require them to rest and be quiet. If the child acts the same way again, I would call mom to come and get her. Tell her that she is so disruptive that the other children can't rest and that their parents are very angry because they have to deal with grumpy children.
Reply
Heidi 08:02 AM 01-08-2013
I once heard someone equate family daycare to having a birthday party in your home for 8 children, 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, with no other parents there to help.

I wonder, how would mom feel about doing that...and no one has a nap, ever???



Reply
PolkaTots 08:13 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Heidi:
I once heard someone equate family daycare to having a birthday party in your home for 8 children, 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, with no other parents there to help.

I wonder, how would mom feel about doing that...and no one has a nap, ever???


That's a very good comparison!

I do have in my contract that per state guidlines, a rest period is mandatory for children preschool age and younger. While I don't expect each child to sleep, it is expected that they remain quiet during this time as to not be disruptive to the other children. It always frustrates me when parents think their child should be exempt...she has 2 weeks left of the trial period, I will talk to the mom again, but if this behavior continues, I will be terming her. It is just too disruptive to the schedules of others...nobody is able to take a nap when she is here
Reply
cheerfuldom 09:22 AM 01-08-2013
Lay down the law one last time with mom. Either she supports your napping rules or she finds a better fit for her daughter. I had the EXACT issue with a 3yo girl as well. mom was offering this and that to the girl (not insisting my rules be followed) and I really had to be firm in saying that daycare will not offered if she cannot support the napping rules i have in place. it got a lot better after that!
Reply
Blackcat31 09:27 AM 01-08-2013
Here is how that situation would have played out at my house:

Me:"It's time for rest period."
DCG: "No, my mommy said I don't have to lay down."


I am now dialing the phone......

Me: "Hello? DCM, it is time for rest period here and DCG said you told her she didn't have to have a rest period. You will need to come and pick her up so the others can rest quietly. You can bring her back when rest period is over. Thank you."

Then at pick up, I would have told mom that from now on DCG will rest and will rest quietly.

If she cannot do that and is being told she does not have to, then someone will need to pick her up daily at the beginning of rest time and return her to care once rest period ends.

The only other option is to be billed an additional fee of $150 per week to pay for an assistant to come supervise the DCG while the others nap.
Reply
Heidi 10:26 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Here is how that situation would have played out at my house:

Me:"It's time for rest period."
DCG: "No, my mommy said I don't have to lay down."


I am now dialing the phone......

Me: "Hello? DCM, it is time for rest period here and DCG said you told her she didn't have to have a rest period. You will need to come and pick her up so the others can rest quietly. You can bring her back when rest period is over. Thank you."

Then at pick up, I would have told mom that from now on DCG will rest and will rest quietly.

If she cannot do that and is being told she does not have to, then someone will need to pick her up daily at the beginning of rest time and return her to care once rest period ends.

The only other option is to be billed an additional fee of $150 per week to pay for an assistant to come supervise the DCG while the others nap.


oooooh...
Reply
LaLa1923 10:44 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Here is how that situation would have played out at my house:

Me:"It's time for rest period."
DCG: "No, my mommy said I don't have to lay down."


I am now dialing the phone......

Me: "Hello? DCM, it is time for rest period here and DCG said you told her she didn't have to have a rest period. You will need to come and pick her up so the others can rest quietly. You can bring her back when rest period is over. Thank you."

Then at pick up, I would have told mom that from now on DCG will rest and will rest quietly.

If she cannot do that and is being told she does not have to, then someone will need to pick her up daily at the beginning of rest time and return her to care once rest period ends.

The only other option is to be billed an additional fee of $150 per week to pay for an assistant to come supervise the DCG while the others nap.
exactly this!!
Reply
LaLa1923 10:48 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by PolkaTots:
I did move her cot to the other room, which is out of sight to the other children (I can still see her), but it is not possible for her to be out of earshot. Per registration guidelines, (Level B in Iowa) I must operate on one level of my home and I must be able to view all children under 1 and hear all children over 1 at nap time...her tantrum was so loud, there was no place in my home I could move her where she would not be heard.

OT-

WOW! Their rules don't seem to be very reasonable! In MD they can nap on one floor and we can go up or down one floor. They also do not need to nap in the same room. I don't know what I would do if I couldnt split them up. I have 1-2 in each bedroom! Nap time is sacred! I really feel for you and the other littles....hugs!!
Reply
LK5kids 11:08 AM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by Willow:
I would stop trying to work it with the child altogether. Without mom on board with your rules there is no way this will get better.

Talk to mom directly, these are my rules, this is why I need everyone to follow them, I need you to be supportive so we can remedy this nap time issue promptly. If she doesn't agree and has no plans to back you up then be prepared to have the "or else you need to move on" conversation.
Agree! Mom is trying to make the rules. Doesn't work that way.
Reply
wdmmom 02:16 PM 01-08-2013
FULL afternoon nap or a new daycare.
Reply
nannyde 02:53 PM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by PolkaTots:
I did move her cot to the other room, which is out of sight to the other children (I can still see her), but it is not possible for her to be out of earshot. Per registration guidelines, (Level B in Iowa) I must operate on one level of my home and I must be able to view all children under 1 and hear all children over 1 at nap time...her tantrum was so loud, there was no place in my home I could move her where she would not be heard.
Not to sidetrack your post but what regs are you referring to? I'm in Iowa and I haven't read anything about viewing all children under one and hearing all children over one at nap.

You can have multi levels if you have an exit.

Cat B

Two exits: The home shall have a minimum of two direct exits to the outside from the main
floor. If the second level or the basement of the home is used for the provision of child care,
other than the use of a restroom, each additional child-occupied floor shall have at least one
direct exit to the outside in addition to one inside stairway.
Reply
Heidi 04:00 PM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
Not to sidetrack your post but what regs are you referring to? I'm in Iowa and I haven't read anything about viewing all children under one and hearing all children over one at nap.

You can have multi levels if you have an exit.

Cat B

Two exits: The home shall have a minimum of two direct exits to the outside from the main
floor. If the second level or the basement of the home is used for the provision of child care,
other than the use of a restroom, each additional child-occupied floor shall have at least one
direct exit to the outside in addition to one inside stairway.
WB NanDe. Glad you're still lurking here! We miss you!
Reply
daycare 04:15 PM 01-08-2013
I actually did what BC suggested about picking up at nap time and it worked like a charm...

last year I had a dcg that refused to nap. She was loud and rude and would say similar things to what your girl is saying.

All it took was for that conversation to take place on the phone with mom and BINGO it never happened again....

so let me tell you.....it works.,.


Also, I have in my PHB that all parents are required to follow the rules of the daycare and are expected to BACK me at all times. I expect for the parents to be in charge when they are here with their child, if they are not, I will make any necessary actions or changes to see that it does not continue.
Reply
nanglgrl 09:07 PM 01-08-2013
Originally Posted by nannyde:
Not to sidetrack your post but what regs are you referring to? I'm in Iowa and I haven't read anything about viewing all children under one and hearing all children over one at nap.

You can have multi levels if you have an exit.

Cat B

Two exits: The home shall have a minimum of two direct exits to the outside from the main
floor. If the second level or the basement of the home is used for the provision of child care,
other than the use of a restroom, each additional child-occupied floor shall have at least one
direct exit to the outside in addition to one inside stairway.
I was going to ask the same thing. I'm a level B and use two floors. The only thing that I've ever heard about seeing/hearing is that they should be within earshot at all times. That said I've never seen anything in the regulations about this. It seems you might have an aggressive worker making up his/her own rules. Sounds like what happened here with the landline issue.
Reply
My3cents 10:18 AM 01-09-2013
Originally Posted by LaLa1923:
OT-

WOW! Their rules don't seem to be very reasonable! In MD they can nap on one floor and we can go up or down one floor. They also do not need to nap in the same room. I don't know what I would do if I couldnt split them up. I have 1-2 in each bedroom! Nap time is sacred! I really feel for you and the other littles....hugs!!

I am a one room daycare, open concept. My kids and babies all nap together. It is tricky but we do it. My parents are amazed. Sometimes my break is long and sometimes very short. All depends on the dynamics of the group, and clean up from lunch. I do require all children to have a rest period. It is the only break that I get during the day. Some days I don't know how I do it.
Reply
Reply Up