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Original poster

Difficult first meeting

30 replies

Titchyboomboom · 06/07/2012 08:12

Hi all! I had a dad come round with his son last week as an introductory meeting and it was really difficult. Son is 2 coming up 3 and was very hyper (as they all probably are at that age) and threw toys, jumped in paddling pool with clothes on, broke a chair and smashed a glass vial in the garden and a vase in the living room. All dad could say was 'he's so cute you won't be mad at him for long.' I am stuck as to what to do as he asked if I could take him and I said yes, only a couple of days, but I am wondering what to do... I really don't want to turn it down as there are going to be challenging behaviours out there, it is my profession, but this was very extreme! I have my own young daughter and other young mindee to think of.

What would you do? I am thinking drawing up a super duper plan for his first week with me, clear rules, laminated sheets, sticker charts, a clear plan of activities he can understand...

Top tips welcome!

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confusedpixie · 06/07/2012 08:36

x-post with Minder!

confusedpixie · 06/07/2012 08:36

I agree with the others, don't accept him unless you have too, your other mindees come first. Not only that, but if the Dad has that attitude towards it, then are you sure you want to try working with him to improve the behaviour? It sounds as though he's not bothered by it and if he's not, he will make it difficult to keep behavioural plans ongoing at home.

minderjinx · 06/07/2012 08:34

Dad's reaction would ring alarm bells for me. A "normal" parent would be embarrassed and apologetic about this behaviour if it was out of the ordinary (and of course all children have their challenging moments, often when we are most trying to impress others). If he is accepting or even amused by it, I don't rate your chances of being able to set any rules or boundaries without support from the family. I have had one whose parents thought it was "cute" when he threw tantrums, broke toys and generally played up. It was very frustrating to see them undo everything I achieved with him on a daily basis, and I certainly wouldn't knowingly take that on again.

PositiveOutlook · 06/07/2012 08:24

If you are worried before he had even started perhaps you need to decline.

ZuleikaD · 06/07/2012 08:19

Do you have to accept him financially? The welfare of the other children is your primary concern and if you're worried that you won't be able to manage this boy, turn him down. He sounds in serious need of some boundaries, tbh. It's your business and you don't have to take clients you don't want.