My Child Is Not

[Willow]

I would actually let her know what you know ...

When she mentions how her precious is in a big boy bed say "Yes, how is that going now anyways? Dad told me you guys were having a heck of a time and nobody was getting any sleep! Have things improved?"

When she mentions potty training say "Man, dad told me about Johnnie having an explosive poop all over him!! I hope that hasn't happened again!"

Just hint that you know the REAL scoop at home. Eventually she will shut up.

This is what I do, but I don't merely hint around about it. I'll come right out and tell both mom and dad "oh wow, that's so crazy because dad gave me a completely different story!"

I can't stand one uppers in any capacity but it's especially irritating when it comes to comparing children.

[melilley]

I've had a few parents like that throughout my career when I worked in centers! At the center that I just left, one mom would always ask and talk about the other babies in the room and compare them to hers, everyday, and it drove us nuts! We couldn't talk about other children with her so we would just say that each baby is different. Confidentiality was really important there, we couldn't even put names on art work for other parents to see or have birthday dates up for others to see, which I thought was a great idea. We finally told her we couldn't talk about other babies, but she would still say things. She was a really nice woman, but geez. Funny thing is, she is having a baby and has talked to me about taking her infant (I am a now licensed FCC). I do have a part in my handbook about confidentiality so hopefully if I take her infant, she doesn't do that here.

I do think that sometimes it is natural to do some comparing, I have been in childcare for 14 years and I sometimes think things in the back of my head about my son who is 8 months, but I know each child is different and know that while milestones should be reached, that they aren't always achieved on time or can be early. I also think that we, as childcare professionals, know this.
And I think that a lot of parents really don't realize that and feel that their child/ren should be like all the rest and don't know that it's not always best to compare. I hope this makes sense, my children are waking up and I'm trying to think/type fast....

[melilley]

I have a nosy DCM also. Everyday she asks where my Ds is. I told her napping every time. Eventually I started saying..."you know". I soon realized this was the perfect response for all of her questions. She was asking questions so that she could judge me. I could hear it in her tone, her facial expressions n snarky remarks. So when she would ask why my husband was home for the day, why my dd was tired, who I received flowers from n why,why Ds was in a pull up....I replied with "you know". It totally confused her and she was able to assume the worst as she wanted. Fine with me, I don't need to prove anything about my family to her.
Other parents can ask same exact questions and I don't mind answering bc they are asking out of true concern or just being friendly. With these parents I answer but remind myself never to go into too much detail.

Uhhh I can't believe how much info she asked you, the nerve of some people, I don't get it! I like your response, it made me laugh! ::