I recently filled a part time vacancy.The child is only 6 months old,and is due to start in June (settling-in period in May)
I first met up with his mum and dad,and they both seemed lovely people,and the child seemed very happy.It all felt right,so I decided to offer them the space.
Then the woman came on her own with the child to sign the contract,so far,so good.Then suddenly she turned really "neurotic" (I dk if that's the word).One of my other "day children",a wonderful 2 year old boy, was present,and he tried to give the 6 month old a cuddle."No! Don't! You can hurt him!",his mother screamed out (the little lad was very gentle with the 6 month old,certainly not forceful).Then when she shouted,her son,the 6 month old started to scream.She panicked and jumped out of her seat to walk around the room with him,almost in tears going "he hardly ever cried,I promise,he's not used to other people,to other kids,he's used to calm surroundings.I am sure he'll behave once he's with you".
Now,I may be over reacting here,but her behaviour made me quite concerned.
I tried to put myself in her shoes,being a first time mum,having to go back to work and leave your 6 month old with a complete stranger.But...I have never seen anyone behave quite that way.Maybe it's postnatal depression,maybe not,she seemed petrified as soon as the other child tried to make any contact with her baby.
It just rang alarm bells to me,and part of me feel that I should not take this child on (although the contract is signed,the settling-in period is yet to start,so I am sure that'd be ok?),or do you think I should just wait and see how it all pans out? I just dk
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