Johnny’s Tantrums and a Mother’s Discovery
Three-year-old Johnny had been throwing tantrums, begging his mother, Marla Evans, not to go to daycare. Marla was puzzled, as Johnny had always loved daycare until recently. After speaking to her pediatrician about the “terrible threes,” Marla began to feel something was wrong.
A Mother’s Instincts
Johnny sobbed, pressing his face against Marla, but he refused to explain why he disliked daycare. Marla promised to pick him up early, but her concerns deepened when Johnny anxiously asked, “No lunch, mommy?” Something was clearly troubling him.
Shocking Discovery at Daycare
Marla decided to visit Johnny during lunch. She saw a woman she didn’t recognize force-feeding Johnny, pressing food into his mouth despite his distress. “You are going to sit here until you clear your plate!” the teacher yelled. Marla couldn’t stand it anymore and intervened, saying, “Can’t you see Johnny’s had enough? He’s a healthy boy, but he is not a big eater.”
Taking Action
Marla scolded the teacher, warning, “If this happens again, I will ensure you are out of a job!” Johnny’s tantrums stopped after the incident, and Marla kept a close watch on daycare. The teacher never forced Johnny to eat again, and the boy regained his joy for daycare.