Pink Slip

Discussion Questions

1. Are Michael's and Andrew's mothers' reactions to Carly's biting justified? Are their reactions unusual or would other parents be likely to respond in a similar manner?
    
2. In the story, Stacy asks herself why it is that parents react more emotionally to children's biting than to other forms of aggression. Is this true? If so, how would you answer her question?
    
3. The other parents are obviously holding Stacy at least partially responsible for their children being bitten. To what extent, if any, should Stacy feel responsible?
    
4. What do you think about the way in which Stacy handled the complaints of other parents (e.g., their phone calls)?
    
5. Not only are other parents complaining, some are also suggesting that Carly be dismissed from the child care. Is this a fair request? Could Stacy have done anything differently to avoid having the situation escalate to this point?
    
6. What do you think of the way in which Stacy has handled the situation with Carly's mother, Dana? Should she have done anything differently in communicating with Dana?
    
7. The story includes a brief description of one incident involving Carly's biting. What clues does this incident have to offer about the reasons or causes for Carly's biting?
    
8. How important is it to know why Carly is biting? How could you figure out the causes of her biting? What would you look for? How might you use such information in designing an intervention strategy (Give examples)?
    
9. Based upon the information available in the story, how do you feel about the way Stacy and Tamara have chosen to deal with Carly's biting in the classroom?
    
10. What additional or alternative strategies, if any, does Stacy have for handling Carly's biting? Which of these would you choose and why?
     
11. Is there anything that Stacy and Tamara could do to defuse the situation involving the parents of other children in the classroom (e.g., Michael's and Andrew's mothers)?
     
12. To what extent should Carly's mother, Dana, be involved in developing and implementing plans to stop Carly's biting?
     
13. Suppose you are a consultant who is called on to help with this situation. Develop a written report that the child care staff can use to guide their handling of this situation.

Pink Slip Case Story