Tell me what to do with my child.

[ringstrue]

Daycare keeps calling me. DS keeps crying and not drinking. Oh wait he drank 2oz this morning so far. And he ate 3/4 of 2 puree bins so far. And he wont stop crying unless someone is holding him. 

I have no idea what to say to them or do. I kept DS home yesterday because he did something similar on Tuesday. He was fine all day I had him. 

I've suggested to them before to take him on a walk in their stroller but its raining lots right now. I hate how they keep calling me. He isn't sick! 

Is this a phase? He's 10.5 months but his one teacher that he knows/likes the most is there now. Is it a hunger strike? I honestly don't *really* care about the lower food intake but I think they are more concerned that he is so fussy. 

Should I even call back? I can't do anything about the situation.

[tigress]

Then I guess they'll need to hold him. Until they figure it out. Its what you pay them for. To care for your child.

[Ashley&Scott]

I would call back. Ask them what they've tried, last time he ate, etc. Ask them what they are doing to calm/soothe him (give ideas if they are trying things that work for you) Ask who the teachers are that are in the room.

Could he be teething? Any signs of ear infection? If you suspect either of these are you okay with them giving ibuprofen?

[spk926]

Don't call them back (unless they specifically asked you to, I'm not clear on that). Next time they call say, "It sounds like he's just having a rough day but isn't sick. I'll be there to pick him up at 5 o'clock. If he starts to run a fever or throws up before then let me know. Thanks!" All in a cheery voice of course.

[CloudBee]

It could be teeth.

I agree that they need to deal with it. You can't stay home every time he's having a rough day. Even though it's really hard for you (to be away), him (to be upset), and your DC (dealing with a crying baby).

Any chance his ears might be bothering him? Had he ever had an EI?

[Deleted]

If they call again I'd authorize some Tylenol.

And yeah, just say, "Thanks for telling me. Unless he shows sings of sickness, I'll be there at 5pm."

Unless he is actually sick, this a DC problem, not yours at the moment.

[bowies]

I wouldn't go pick him up. Since he's fine with you it sounds like separation anxiety - our DCP said they see the start of it between 10-12 months. I mean, this is developmentally normal so I don't know why they can't handle it.

[arch01]

I'd also guess teeth or ears. Has he been checked for an EI?

[ringstrue]

He was checked for ears two days ago. He hasn't been sick and has no mucus.

Could be teeth but I'm skeptical. I'm gonna tell them stroller, try a teether, probably developmental. I think I might send him tomorrow with a dose of pain meds just to see if it helps anything.

thanks everyone.

[ringstrue]

I just called. The new director is starting Monday and I cannot WAIT. This interim person is insufferable. I think she has zero experience. She's like "Well I'll call you back if he starts crying again." WHY?!?!?! I just told you its probably developmental and teething.

I need to talk to the teachers I think. I dunno if they are asking them to call me or what but they can't keep this up.

[mcfelix]

That is ridiculous. There is no reason they should be calling you. I'm sorry you have to deal with that bs.

[Deleted]

P has been difficult at daycare the last few weeks. She was sick and now she's not but just a bit needy. The one afternoon teacher complains to me and I'm like 'sounds rough, sorry! She will see you tomorrow'. Not my problem. She's not sick.

[spk926]

Jul 30, 2015 13:24:32 GMT -5 ringstrue said:

I just called. The new director is starting Monday and I cannot WAIT. This interim person is insufferable. I think she has zero experience. She's like "Well I'll call you back if he starts crying again." WHY?!?!?! I just told you its probably developmental and teething.

I need to talk to the teachers I think. I dunno if they are asking them to call me or what but they can't keep this up.

I know it's hard to but try to stand up for yourself. Next time she says, "I'll call you back if he starts crying." you need to put an end to it.
"No, please don't. I am at work and there is nothing I can do. I can't take a day off of work unless he is actually sick. He was just at the doctor and is fine. He's just having a hard day as babies do sometimes. I'm sure he's not the first and won't be the last. I'll be there to pick him up at 5. Thank you "

Daycares pulling crap like this pisses me off so much. I mean your child is at daycare so you can work. If he isn't sick then you need to work! It's their job to soothe him, hold him, find something that makes him happy! That's why you're paying them.

[pizzanight]

Jul 30, 2015 13:30:22 GMT -5 spk926 said:

Daycares pulling crap like this pisses me off so much. I mean your child is at daycare so you can work. If he isn't sick then you need to work! It's their job to soothe him, hold him, find something that makes him happy! That's why you're paying them.

YES.  THIS.  If they call you back again and he's not sick, tell them to stop.  The language spk926 suggested is good.

[ringstrue]

I did tell her she doesn't need to call again if its for the same issue.

[pinotgrig]

How frustrating! You've gotten good advice so just here to offer support.

[SJ]

I have dealt with this too.

I actually spoke to the director to clarify the calling/notification/sick/sent home policy. The texts I were getting were out of control. The teacher was angry at me for going to the director, but we all got over it.

It makes me sad to know that DD is sad at daycare sometimes, but we all have bad days. Crying is NOT grounds for getting to go home.

[puplove214]

That is frustrating. We've gone through this a couple times with DS. Sometimes I got the vibe that the director didn't quite believe that I had brought him to the Dr. to confirm it wasn't an ear infection. I never loved that director, but I adore his teacher. So in addition to the advice above to be firm with the director, I try to take the bright/apologetic route with the teacher - "Sorry to hear my buddy had a rough day today, sounds like he needs a little extra cuddling this week huh?"

Occassionally if I knew it might be a tough day (first day back after long weekend or after being sick), I'd bring a little "thank you for all you do" with a $5 gift card for coffee. I think just acknowledging that taking care of my fussy kid can be a tough job is enough for them to not be annoyed by those fussy days, know what I mean?

Good luck, hope he has a better day tomorrow!

[erbear]

I'm trying to think about what it would have been like if DC had called every time DD1 was crying. Well, I would never be off the phone...I would tell them that babies cry and he isn't sick. If he were home, I would try x, y, and z, but please don't call me again unless he's got a fever and you need me to pick him up.