So, I have 23 days left before I retire from my career as a Preschool teacher/daycare provider. I have worked with children for the past 24 years in a variety of roles. I have met a number of parents, most of them have been amazing.
However, there are always those who leave an impression and unfortunately, it is not always the most positive. My last 4 weeks are ahead of me and for the past 8 months I have been dealing with a parent who I really thought was going to be one of my favorites this year. Instead, I have been met with almost a Jekyll/Hyde personality. One moment she is amazing to talk to, great to brainstorm ideas with, and seems to be so happy with the program I run. Next, there are the email lectures... In the past, this parent ran her own program. I will say, not as long as I have, but nonetheless, still had her own daycare. I really feel as if her need to return to work outside the home along with watching her youngest be cared for by someone else, has led to sadness, confusion, doubt, anger, and finally the need to control as much as possible.
There have been a number of things that have happened this year that are what I would consider "normal". Kids showing butts, lice, HER daughter teaching about the middle finger, etc... Kid stuff. Throughout these times, I have communicated to all the parents when these things happen, and have been met with understanding and even laughter from all the parents except one. From this particular parent, I have learned to expect the dreaded email containing opinions, suggestions, and stories of how "she did things". Well, that is great and all, but it sometimes leaves me wondering how I have made it all these years without her advice?
9 out of my 10 parents think my ideas are great. They think this program is great. I am not going to change what is not broken for the majority, just because one parent cannot accept that she is not in charge.
Honestly, I find the emails condescending and almost of a bullying nature. I am now being accused of not valuing or appreciating their concerns. She even went so far as to say she feels she has not been impactful. Seriously? If she would take the time to meet with me and have a back and forth conversation, instead of her email rants, she would learn my heart. She would learn why I do things the way I do, and why I also feel I have addressed as much as I can and have the right and choice to not make the changes she has suggested. AGAIN, MY PROGRAM. NOT HERS.
This leaves me without sleep, a sore tummy, and a frustrated heart that someone so "GOD" loving would not take the time to have a face to face conversation and to LISTEN to someone else's point of view. She could grow as a person by this. Instead I have to accept I am being judged on a daily basis, talked about behind my back, and looked at as an inadequate provider. Keep in mind, this is the lady who goes to school board meetings and raises a stink about kids not being able to have conversations because of all the electronic devices.
She reminds me of a boss I had a few years ago. THE DRAGON. This lady constantly cut me down and told me I wasn't good enough. It has taken me a long time to get past that and there is part of me that never will. THIS mom is now DRAGON JR. She is doing the same thing but in her email sort of way. I will not take this. The more she pushes, the more I push back.
I have run a good, respectable program for almost 17 years. I WILL NOT go out with any more scars. I am great person and I am above being talked down to. I will abide my time with her, love her daughter continuously every day, and continue to count down the days until I move onto the next chapter of my journey.
However, there are always those who leave an impression and unfortunately, it is not always the most positive. My last 4 weeks are ahead of me and for the past 8 months I have been dealing with a parent who I really thought was going to be one of my favorites this year. Instead, I have been met with almost a Jekyll/Hyde personality. One moment she is amazing to talk to, great to brainstorm ideas with, and seems to be so happy with the program I run. Next, there are the email lectures... In the past, this parent ran her own program. I will say, not as long as I have, but nonetheless, still had her own daycare. I really feel as if her need to return to work outside the home along with watching her youngest be cared for by someone else, has led to sadness, confusion, doubt, anger, and finally the need to control as much as possible.
There have been a number of things that have happened this year that are what I would consider "normal". Kids showing butts, lice, HER daughter teaching about the middle finger, etc... Kid stuff. Throughout these times, I have communicated to all the parents when these things happen, and have been met with understanding and even laughter from all the parents except one. From this particular parent, I have learned to expect the dreaded email containing opinions, suggestions, and stories of how "she did things". Well, that is great and all, but it sometimes leaves me wondering how I have made it all these years without her advice?
9 out of my 10 parents think my ideas are great. They think this program is great. I am not going to change what is not broken for the majority, just because one parent cannot accept that she is not in charge.
Honestly, I find the emails condescending and almost of a bullying nature. I am now being accused of not valuing or appreciating their concerns. She even went so far as to say she feels she has not been impactful. Seriously? If she would take the time to meet with me and have a back and forth conversation, instead of her email rants, she would learn my heart. She would learn why I do things the way I do, and why I also feel I have addressed as much as I can and have the right and choice to not make the changes she has suggested. AGAIN, MY PROGRAM. NOT HERS.
This leaves me without sleep, a sore tummy, and a frustrated heart that someone so "GOD" loving would not take the time to have a face to face conversation and to LISTEN to someone else's point of view. She could grow as a person by this. Instead I have to accept I am being judged on a daily basis, talked about behind my back, and looked at as an inadequate provider. Keep in mind, this is the lady who goes to school board meetings and raises a stink about kids not being able to have conversations because of all the electronic devices.
She reminds me of a boss I had a few years ago. THE DRAGON. This lady constantly cut me down and told me I wasn't good enough. It has taken me a long time to get past that and there is part of me that never will. THIS mom is now DRAGON JR. She is doing the same thing but in her email sort of way. I will not take this. The more she pushes, the more I push back.
I have run a good, respectable program for almost 17 years. I WILL NOT go out with any more scars. I am great person and I am above being talked down to. I will abide my time with her, love her daughter continuously every day, and continue to count down the days until I move onto the next chapter of my journey.