after a tough day with a 2 1/2 year old i need some help in dealing with his behavior. when this child is getting picked up by either parent at the end of the day he will start acting out and will try to hit the first person he sees, even though he hasn't displayed any of this behaivor all day long. today he was able to hit three friends, pull a basket of toys off the shelf, and knock a cup of water from his mothers hand...how should i react to this behavior, the mother doesn't seem to give a crap about it!!

If this is repeated behaviour in front of the parents, I think you should make a time to talk to the parent/s and let them know that you have to take action over this behaviour and that you would appreciate it if they could support your actions. They may need to be given some strategies to use. You have a duty of care towards the other children as well as this little boy. You need to ensure that the environment is safe for all chidren. The parents may need to be told this so that they become aware that the needs of other children need to be considered and that this is why you and they need to take action.

Hi, maybe the answer is actually in your question (if that makes sense). You say he only displays this behaviour when a parent is there - it sounds to me like he is obviously lacking attention from the parent and this is the way he tries to get it. Sometimes children play up and would rather get negative attention instead of positive so that at least they are getting some attention. I think Cathie is right in saying you should speak to the parents about this and point out the fact that he isn't like it all day. Some parents unfortunately don't see this behaviour until it's too often too late and the child is seen by others as a 'brat' - which is a real shame. Good luck

If after talking with the parents, the behavior continues, maybe you could talk with the director and ask to be forwarned of the parents arrival. Take the child aside and explain that their parent is there to pick them up. Maybe the extra time to process what is happening next will help. He may be surprised and not feel ready to leave school. Can you come up with an idea of how to turn this negative time into a positive one? Maybe he has a special job to do to help get ready to go when his parent arrives. Maybe he can show his parent what activity he enjoyed that day? Just some ideas...good luck.