"Sooner or later, most children will put parents through the ordeal of appearing to not want to leave by acting indifferent or dramatically, refusing to leave — or acting up at the sight of parents and creating an awkward situation," observed Jim Greenman in his article, "No Surprises: Reducing Staff-Parent Tensions," which is included in the Exchange Essentials article collection, Leadership Challenges.
"We should know and explain to parents that the least likely explanation is that the child actually has weighed the home/child care settings and elected to stay at the center because he likes the staff so much. We can save parents some guilt and sorrow (that may strain the parent-staff relationship) if we anticipate the occurrence and explain to parents that it will happen — and that some of the reasons for the behavior include an assertion of independence or stubbornness, wanting parents to experience their world, or separation emotions that may translate into trying behavior when they see the one person in the world they are closest to."
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Comments (2)
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Shelburne , VT, United States
Sometimes explaining developmental situations is appropriate when itatches the behavior. This is especially helpful in a note, call or conversation. If a child is truly happy and loving their activity we can support families in disengaging, by offering choices to negotiate the family need and the child's need.
The article seems to suggest we submit- so a parent or guardian doesn't feel guilty because their child is thriving and wildly happy at school. It means the parent made a great choice and that their child is in a place that sparks their mind and soul. As a parent that should be a relief.
Napa Valley College CDC
Napa, CA, United States
At parent orientation, I share with parents that this is a possibility. I let parents know that our center becomes a home-away-from-home. I share that this is a good sign their children are engaged and settled in relationships. When I hear children want to stay at school, it is music to my ears.
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