Ask:
I was in Camp Fire clubs as a child and decided that I wanted my daugthers to participate too when they started school. So I researched it and Camp Fire doesn't have a presence in my area. A friend talked me into completing the training and certifications and becoming a leader. That same friend is my co-leader. Since we signed up last year, with her promises of help and support, I've done it all by myself. I'm pretty resentful of her and have started resenting the meetings and activities we have scheduled. She doesn't come to meetings at all any more. Occasionally, she'll drop her daughter off. She's decided that her son (who's the same age as my 4 year old daughter, who comes to meetings) distracts. He doesn't distract any more than any of the other little siblings there! Camp Fire can be for girls or boys or both. At the urging of another friend who has a son, I made our club co-ed. Now that same friend doesn't participate any more but we have another boy who has been in the club for the past 2 years. He's a hellian. There's no way to sugar coat it. I spend most of the meeting trying to corral him and keep him on task. His mom was a teacher but does nothing to discipline him. I think she believes that I should be in charge, which wouldn't be a problem if there was another leader present. So many times I have as many as 6-8 other kids present who aren't getting the full benefit of our activity or meeting because I'm distracted by this kid.
I don't know what to do. My daughter claims that she loves CF and learns a lot. I've done a lot of extra training (ie camping, fire building, dutch oven cooking) but I'm reluctant to do any of these things because it would only be me and I have the problem kid to contend with. I'm thinking next year, I'll not renew the club and just see if DD even notices. Is that harsh?
Answer:
I should also point out that next year, both my daughters can participate in the same club because our age range for our group is K-2nd. But after next year, DD#1 will move up to the next club level, which means I'd have to have different training and 2 seperate clubs.
What have I gotten myself into?!?
Answer:
Have you considered asking the other parents that have children attending to become assistant leaders?? Tell them that if you can not get assistance that it will be very difficult for you to continue...???
Answer:
I think in situations like this you just need to be more assertive (I don't mean YOU, I mean people in general). I would just tell the parents that you are having problems doing the mtgs, so will require another adult be there. I know in scouts you're not allowed to only have one adult at mtgs anyway for safety reasons. If a kid got hurt, etc who would stay with the kids while you took the kids to the hosp etc. So then they can either rotate who attends the mtg, or maybe one or two people would step up and offer. Maybe they think you have it all under control and don't need any more help. So I'd just tell them you need help. Then see what happens. HTH
Answer:
I agree you do need help if not tell them you have to quit. Unless that is what you what to do. I think that is to many kids without help.
Answer:
If you need help, you have to ask for it.
As for the wild boy, you should tell his mother that you are having a hard time controlling him at the meetings and for the time being, she (or the father) need to be present at all meetings. We have that situation with one of the girls in my dd's brownie troop and that's what our troop leader did. Plus, any events the girls go to, the bratty girl's mom must also attend to control her child. I'm sure it was not a pleasant conversation with the mother, but it was necessary.
Answer:
Ask some other parents for help, explain what you have on your plate and ust be honest. if they like their kids doing this then hopefully you'll get someone to help.
As far as the hellian goes if he can't sit still and listen to participate give a warning and call the parents let them know what's going on and if he's been warned if he can't control himself you don't need to put up with that by yourself!!