I take care of a 4 year old who refuses to mind?

Question

This child is so mean her mother abuses her severely. She beats her al the time, This childs mother had an affair with my husband 4 1/2 years ago. This child could be from this affair But the mother denise it. Anyway she is so mean she spends the bigger share of the 4 hours I have her in time out from being mean to the other kids I watch, If she is not pushing them she is hitting or stealing their food or toys or books or fighting I am at my wits end as to what to do with her I have told the mother to find a new babysitter and all she does is threaten the child. What can I Do/

Answer 1

well if you are sure that there is abuse going on to the child the call child protective services , you would be doing the child a favor It doesn't sound like the mother is going to change. ~~ I wish you the best!

Answer 2

There has to be a better method to this madness. I have worked in childcare for 9 years, I am a mother, and I do feel your frustration, and compassion.

I think that the whole time-out issue is way over-rated. You have to find something that really gets through to the child. Obviously, for this little girl, then timeouts don't work. Have you tried isolation? I not saying put her in a closet or anything like that, but try taking her away from the children.

Also, the whole deal about 1 minute in time out per age of child sometimes does not work when they have the cognitive skills to realize that if they do something wrong, then they only have to sit in a stupid little corner, or a chair for 4 minutes.

I agree with you that something serious must be done. This little girl is crying out-with her tears, her fists, her teeth, whatever she can to get the attention/help that she needs.

Let's talk about the abuse. Is her mother really hitting her, abusing her in ways that leave bruises? Is she neglectful (not enough food, etc)? No matter what type of abuse, you have a LEGAL obligation as a child care provider (and advocate, I hope) to seek immediate help for this little girl. You may be the only person who has what it takes to "resuce" her. Take action. She's already been through 4 years of pain and tortute. How much longer?

Please call the child abuse hotline if you have questions. 1-800-4-A-CHILD

Go to childhelp.org

Good Luck! (Please hug that little girl for me,she needs it!)

Answer 3

Preseverance, patience and faith in your parenting skills. If this child is possibley blood related to your husband then you need to do your best to protect this child and show her the love that she is not getting at home.
Please don't give up on her, the poor things needs a caring and stable environment and that mother should be reported and sent to prison!

I would suggest watching Supernanny and do exactly as what they do in the show. It works. And just shower the poor little girl with hugs and kisses, she needs it.

Answer 4

Report the mother.