Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/at-the-end-of-the-day/5016566/
When families arrive to pick up their children, mini-reunions unfold. Children prattle confidently with news of their day. Parents listen gratefully. On other days, however, “release time” gets swept into a mudslide of missed connections. Exhausted parents may not be able to focus on their children’s safety. Overwhelmed parents become argumentative.Let’s consider what you can do to prevent your program, yourself, and the children and families in your care from being caught in the crossfire of release time mishaps.
Days of our lives
Mr. and Mrs. McClure share custody of three-year-old Cole. Cole used to be a bubbly, curious, playful boy. Lately, Cole’s withdrawn, timid manner has concerned you. Both parents try to win you over to their side by telling stories about the other parent’s shortcomings. You feel like you are witnessing “Days of Our Lives.” You try to be neutral and understanding. It’s Friday afternoon, just before the December holidays when Mr. McClure careens into your program to pick up Cole. You think you smell alcohol on his breath. He yells: “Ho! Ho! Ho!” to everyone he encounters. What do you do?
Who is thinking about Cole? When parents’ lives are disrupted by divorce, job crises, addiction, or ...