What do you do with a bratty kid...

HATE to be the bearer of bad news, BUT my guess is "mom" isn't feeling well because she's embarrassed by her child. My hunch is that this child is simply continuing the same behavior of entitlement that she does at home. A strong willed child paired with disinterested parent(s) or passive parents is not going to understand the rights of others, how to fit in socially or manage their emotions. It's a very passive form of child abuse. While the child was at your home, there's not much you can do. I think you tried the best you could. I might suggest that the parents be called and informed that their child is not welcome at your home, as her behavior is disruptive and causes problems with other children's behavior. I will caution that delivery of said message is delicate, but necessary, and I would front it with "are you aware that when your daughter comes over her behavior is very difficult". The next question any sane, savvy parent would ask, it REALLY? Tell me more type directions. IF the parent is defensive than, that leaves you with the tactfully difficult directive that, well I"m sorry you feel that way, but your daughter is not able to visit here. Does your husband support this, because it's really a chance for the child's parents to have others set boundaries for them, as their tacit exceptance of the behavior indicates that the problem is child REARING, vs. their approach which sounds like just child SUPERVISING. Having Hubby on board would also indicate that the child's ultimate welfare is formost, and not the poker game.... It's a strong hunch that wont' be the first complaint from other parents. GOOD LUCK!
 
If she told me "you can't make me, blah, blah, blah" well, she is right, you can't make her. BUT, it is your house, you don't have to let her in to track mud all over. I would simply tell her that. "fine, if you don't want to clean up like all the other kids, then out you go. this is my house and my rules!" Be calm but firm. If she doesn't go out, take her by the hand and lead her out. If she throws a fit, let her, and as you drag her past her father playing poker, by sure to say in a nice calm voice "I'm sorry, but I can't let you run around the house all muddy and if you refuse to wash the mud off, you will have to play outside." Turn it around on her, make her the bad guy, not you, make it her choice, either she washes up and comes in, or she stays out. If she stays out, then her father needs to watch her if you are busy. I would tell him that too. Sorry Dad, but I have to do XXX, and can't watch your darling kid and she refuses to wash up, so I guess you will have to go out and keep an eye on her as it is not safe to leave her out there alone. After all, why are you the babysitter?
 
Quote:
thumbsup.gif
 
Sounds like shes not uesed to getting any discipline.... no way a child would ever talk like that if they did.
The kid would not be allowed over my house again.. unless a parent was there to handle them..

Or wait, i just realized something.. was the father AT your house? Why didnt you just bring the kid to her father to handle?
idunno.gif
 
Last edited:
Quote:
I totally agree. That would NEVER EVER be tolerated at my house, I don't care whose kid it is. If they are really good friends of yours, then they wouldn't tolerate their daughter talking like that to a good friend of theirs....or anyone really!!
 
"Not my house and you can't make me"

True... but I can lock you out. Seriously, if a kid doesn't learn that treating others like crap has consequences... well I just shudder to think of what she'll be like as a teen... or adult. Actually, come to think of it that's pretty much how my sister acted as a kid... boy could that girl pitch a fit... I hate you, I wish you were dead, etc were every day things that came flying out of her mouth. Heck she even told our Granny to SHUT UP when she was sitting, she was around 8 I think. Never once was corrected for any of these behaviors and she's still quite a snot... yeah, I'd lock the brat out... let dear old dad know that when he decides to be a parent his child is out back, and that you'll be holding him responsible for any damage she does.
 
Yeah, put her butt out on the porch or have her wait in the car...................

"You're right, but it's my house and you can get the heck out!"
 
Another vote for Writer of Words' idea.

It's not your responsibility to set limits with a child who has at least one parent present.

If you don't want to upset the applecart, try handling it with a smile, laugh and humor at first, i.e, saying to the Dad, "I'm bringing you this child to hold because she's trampling on my last nerve; better keep her here with you before I explode into a screaming meemie..." If her Dad doesn't respond or keep her with him the first time, I'd replace that smile with a frown and a stern voice and let him know in no uncertain terms that you are serious. Really, really serious!!!!
 
Last edited:

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom