They don't seem to want to go home

[sarsar3nch]

Any advice

2 of the children I look after (2yrs and 14 months)scream blue murder when their repective parent turn up to pick them up . It has become a real habit, running away, screaming, fighting etc. It is awful, parents feel bad and I feel bad.

One of the children however (14 months) only performs like this for dad, not mum. I think this is because dad lets older brother dominate his attention when he arrive and brother actually pushes baby out of the way sometimes to get closer to dad. Dad always takes older one to car first too as he can make more fuss, but it has now got to the point where he is almost ignoring little girl so as not to face the rejection.

Any help would be appreciated, I have tried anticipating picking up time, talking to them, removing all toys, ignoring tantrums. The only thing that is proving hard is to get parents to pick up and go quickly, they tend to linger.

Look forward to some advice

Sarah

[rubybubbles]

mine never want to go home either!! I have started to get the 2 1/2 yr old ready for 4.55, shoes on, bags ready so when mum comes, I put on his coat whist telling her about his day and giving the daily diary to her!! (he wants me to put coat on I'm not taking over BTW!! ;D)

I used to have a lo who screamed at mum all the time and this system seemed to work for her too.

Sad to hear about the dad not paying attetion not sure what you could do on this one.

I don't let parents into the lounge, hall only!! And by having shoes on then picking up coat as I answer the door they have no reaon to stay!

I think someone will be able to give adice on a pick up policy which should hurry things along for you (I don't have one but would put about how contract ends at 5pm therefore you need to then get things ready for your own family clubs/teatime/family time ect.)

HTH

[helenlouise]

Hi Sarah
Tthis is a very common problem, i've had it and can be embarrasing for you and parents.
The only thing i would say is to have all toys cleared away ( home time tidy up time) have child ready coat on shoes on bag ready at the door and hope parent ( and child ) get the message.

I had one mum who would sit and breastfeed the baby as soon as she arrived. Once the older child vomited everywhere and the mum still sat there feeding the baby leaving me to sort the child and clean the vomit!! Not happy that day.

Good luck

[lisaurry]

Hi Sarah,

This seems to be very common - so don't worry! I have an 18 mth old that does this, and at first I was getting quite worried about it, and felt awful, because Mom couldn't wait to see him - but he didnt want to go!

We've done the same, talking to him 15 mins before "mommy's coming in a minute, shall we get shoes on etc" and putting toys away. We're just working through it together, and he seems to be getting a bit better... but still have off days.

Just keep going - it will get better eventually.

Lisa x