Child That Hits

Hi K.,

My kids are also in an in-home daycare and there is always one or two children who have picked up bad habits for resolving their conflicts. Luckily, so far, my children haven't been the "one" or "two", but I always try to have patience with the child who is causing the problem because children (especially at 15 months old) don't necessarily understand the consequences of their behaviors...they just know that whatever they're doing, gets the job done. With that said, my daycare provider works very closely with the child and uses redirection and time-outs. When it gets to the point when the child is unable to be redirected, she calls the child's parent and he/she has to leave work to pick the child up. My children have often had trouble in other areas (not being quiet during naptime, fibbing, etc) and the daycare provider calls me and we work very closely, both at home and in the daycare, to resolve the issues when they arise. The way I see it, a home daycare is just that...a home. A child will misbehave and test limits when they are comfortable in a home and that is a good sign. The beauty, in my opinion, of a home daycare is that if the provider cares and is a good provider for children, she will absolutely be working closely with the child and his/her parents to rectify the situation, and will also be protecting the other children in her home from harm.

The provider should be dealing with it when it happens but they also need to be telling the parents what is going on. That way the parent knows what is going on and can deal with it at home as well.

We have one of these at school and we are dealing with it as well as talking to the parents, both sets.

I believe so. She should be able to address this and be consistent. I wouldn't want my child in that environment. Good luck!

Your day care provider should absolutely be handeling this herself at the time the incidents happen!
What can addressing it with the parent do?
They are not even there parenting the child when he is hitting, the day care provider is.
She is "mothering" that child all day and needs to correct the situation when the child hits.
How terrible for your child. Would you like to be dropped off all day to a place where some one hits you?
I would inform my provider that I will be leaving if she doesn't provide a safe environment for my child.
You wouldn't allow another child to strike your son on your watch would you?