Dear Chat Daddy,
I really need your help. I run a Christian home day
care center, and just recently I took in a 3 year old who
I believe is a real problem child. Lately, I’ve noticed
that his behavior is a bit disturbing. He constantly bullies
the other children and doesn’t listen when told to
do something, and he can only sing adult rap songs. I’ve also taken note of the fact that his parents
dress him like a little thug, having him wear
inappropriate clothes for a child his age. I
am wondering if this is because his parents
are a young couple in their early 20s
and they are just naive and don’t know
any better. I’ve tried talking to his parents
about this, but they are not really
taking me seriously. I am beside myself
over this matter. Chat Daddy, all children
deserve care and nurturing, but this is getting
out of hand, and it goes against what my
school stands for. What should I do?
-No Thug Behavior Being Taught Here
Dear No Thug Behavior Being Taught Here,
I would like to first commend you on having a
Christian home day care center in which you dedicate
your time and energy to enhancing toddlers’ social and
educational development.
I can certainly understand the dilemma here. I would
suggest that you have one final sit-down with his parents.
This is definitely not acceptable behavior, and
they really need to be held accountable for their child’s
actions. The issue here is just plain ignorance, not
being young and naive.
Start by saying that you are only thinking of his
well-being and that his growth and development is
very important to you. It may also be a good idea to
include the fact that if this behavior is not nipped in the
bud now at this formative time in his life, it could only
get worse and could lead to even bigger trouble down
the road.
If they continue to have a nonchalant attitude, you
may just have to cut your ties and explain to them flat
out that he has to leave your day care because children
behaving out of order on a constant basis and wearing
inappropriate clothing is not acceptable.
It goes against your personal beliefs and your day
care’s mission. Be encouraged.
Dear Chat Daddy,
I’m a 35-year-old female who has been going to the
same beautician since high school. I really felt comfortable
with her handling my hair because she really
knew how to care of it, and we’ve had a great relationship
over the years. Lately, I’ve been displeased with
her. The issue is that she shows up late when I
have scheduled appointments, and most times
I can’t even get in her chair anymore
because she is overbooking clients. I
noticed that she has a cold shoulder
towards me and often acts very rude.
Chat Daddy, I think about all of the
money over the years that I have spent
by going to her, and I am trying to figure
out if I should leave her because of
all this. I tried speaking to her several
times about how I feel, but she just
ignores me, which honestly hurts my feelings
because she’s all I’ve known, and I don’t
want to leave her high and dry. Please help.
-You Are In Denial So I’m Gone
Dear You Are In Denial So I’m Gone,
While it is understandable that you feel a certain loyalty
to this particular stylist, it is evident that you are
not happy, plain and simple.
I would suggest that you seriously consider moving
on to a new stylist. Sweetheart, your time and money
are precious and should be taken into consideration.
When you are spending your money for someone to
provide an important service for you such as hair care
and styling, you should be treated with the utmost
respect. Spend some time doing some research, finding a
new stylist. Ask some of your girlfriends. Talk to relatives
and even go online to find some new and trendy
salons that you can check out on your downtime. Walk
away. You don’t have to explain to her why. If you
have been a dedicated client of hers for all these years,
she should definitely have some integrity instead of
taking you for granted.
Here’s to you finding a stylist who will not only
whip up your hair to your satisfaction but will give
you the most professional attitude and service that you
deserve.
Art “Chat Daddy” Sims can be reached via e-mail at chatdaddy@chicagodefender.com.
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