A Christchurch three-year-old faces expulsion from pre-school because of her bad behaviour.
The girl, who began going to the pre-school when she was just nine months old, has been excluded until December 3, when her behaviour will be reassessed.
Her mother told The Press newspaper pre-school staff saidher daughter had become physically and verbally abusive and was "totally and absolutely out of control".
She said she believed the behaviour resulted from her recent break-up with her daughter's father.
"At home she is wonderful. She is a little darling, she is just so caring and loving."
Kindercare director Allan Wendelborn denied the child was being expelled.
"What we're saying is that this situation can't continue," he said.
"We've sought the parents' support and at the moment the father is going to be looking after the child and he'll bring back the child after the break and we'll see what changes have occurred and then assess it again."
Mr Wendelborn said it was an unfortunate situation, but the pre-school had a duty of care to the other children.
