We get about 30-50 kids through here a week and I extensively review all of their health forms so I can be aware ahead of time about any problems. Some parents are very forthcoming with their kids' problems and other seem to be either lying to themselves, oblivious, or embarrassed about their kids problems or something. We have a kid here this week who practically needs 1 on 1 care. He's 7 and doesn't even know his own last name, he moved and speaks very slowly, and you have to ask him a question 2-3 times before he'll understand it to have an answer. Had I known this I would have put him in a group that had two counselors, not one. So now we have a counselor dealing with this kid by herself which is extremely unfair to her and the other kids in the group. I look at his health form- No mention! In fact, Mom wrote "Perfectly Healthy".
Ugh! I don't care if your kid has a problem! I really don't... we have a kid who up until last year was in diapers and we welcomed him. Trust me, we're not going to turn your kid away just because they have a small problem we just need to know so we can staff accordingly and not risk the safety and well being of the other kids here!
And this is like the 5th kid we've had this problem with. It's extremely annoying.
Re: I Can't Stand Parents Sometimes...
Ugh, that sounds so frustrating! I'm pretty new to the board - where do you work (or what kind of place) or what do you do? Sounds like it keeps you on your toes!
That's just completely unfair to the kid as well. When the parents don't acknowledge that there's an issue, they're usually not handled the way that would be best for them.
DH's comes from a family of teachers and this is their #1 complaint. Some children just have special needs. And that's okay, most kids are different. They just need to be given the resources for those needs.
I am the Day Camp Director of a summer camp in Wisconsin.
IMHO That's irresponsible parenting if you ask me. It sounds like by not explaining their son's problem on the form that they are holding him back.
Good luck Jaye!