Difficult first meeting

[Titchyboomboom]

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!

Nurseries don't have that luxury or schools so you may as well make the most of it!!!!

Spoke to my local NCMA rep this morning and she is pleased that I have recognised that the safety of the small children may be compromised and the effect the behaviour could have on my setting and agrees that he sounds like he would not fit here. She said on the discrimination issue, I have no need to worry as all Ofsted require is that they visit and that you assess and make a decision, which I now have. Ofsted take safety seriously and providing a stable inclusive environment which I don't think I could with him here. Don't get me wrong, if I had to I'm sure I could handle him, but I don't think he would fit and like you say, I do have the luxury of choice and financially can cope without the extra at the moment. :)

Aw titchy,, but he sounded so cute!!!!! And dad so sensible!!!!

Not a chance in hell I'd contract that boy... due to unchecked and disruptive behaviour. If a parent is not on the same page as me then it's a no go.

NEVER feel compelled to take on a child... they're choosing a childminder and you are choosing families... it goes both ways. The safety of your own children and current mindees is paramount.

I agree. I care for a child with special needs who was very disruptive when he first came. He'd come from a very expensive nursery who thought, after nearly 3 years, that he'd be better off with a childminder (that's a whole other story, though ).

The difference was that both parents were mortified at any incidents. I'm sure they were terrified I'd give notice, too.
With them, us and his new nursery school all singing the same tune, he's improved dramatically: just the usual, active preschooler now.

You need the parents on board or it doesn't work out.