"I Don't Understand How People Do This!"

[SilverSabre25]

]
Silver!?! Gah!! I know you don't mean all center workers.....

I am with you though, I don't like this line either. It depends totally on the tone in which it's asked.

OH yes of course, and I meant to come back and clarify but someone needed me and I got distracted afterwards! But statistically...most center workers--MOST--are young, working for min wage, and don't have much experience with kids. They are over worked, understaffed, etc. especially in the cheap centers that some of these parents "prefer" because they are a "school" with a "curriculum" and "teachers".

[Starburst]

I always thought of it as a compliment.

I would just respond "It's not for everyone, but I love what I do". No need to be nasty to them, some people only like their own kids (or kids of close friends/relatives) but not other peoples kid's; so they don't understand people who prefer the company of children they aren't legally or socially obligated to associate with over the company of adults.

At my school, the child development instructors would always say how they felt their department was undervalued or looked down on (even ostracized at times) on campus, because we focus on working with young children rather than adults and must adults don't have the patience to work with children.

[julie]

How about you say this?

"Yes, it does take a special person to do and appreciate this job. Fortunately for you, you have found a person that not only loves what I do, but I also happen to be awesome at it. Unfortunately for you, this interview goes both ways and right now you are not making the best impression as a potential client."

[Meeko]

I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.

[Play Care]

I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.

[Blackcat31]

I tell them what I honestly feel.

I tell them that I think children are nicer than grown-ups and I enjoy working with them.

I've worked in childcare for many, many years, but I have also worked in stores and offices etc.

Grown-ups are meaner, whinier and generally nastier than kids. Grown-ups are more manipulative and selfish and sneaky than any child....even though they know better.

Give me kids any day.

[daycaremum]

I've never had anyone say it to mean in a mean tone. If said to me it is always in a tone of amazement It's always been a compliment when I hear it.

[CraftyMom]

I've always had it said in a way that I took it as a compliment.

It's usually when parents are feeling frustrated themselves, for example getting their child ready to leave if I haven't done it yet. After struggling with shoes and coat I've had parents turn to me and say "I don't know how you do this everyday. I have trouble with one!"

[playground1]

I always respond by asking them what they do for a living, then I tell them I could never do that job. Different strokes.

Exactly. I would die if I had to sit at a desk all day.

[sugar buzz]

I always hate the comment, "Have fun..." said in a sarcastic tone, as they waltz out the door, while their child is crying, arguing, and/or whining--most likely "and." I always have to return that little gem at pick-up. Bwah-ha-ha

[taylorw1210]

I hear the same thing from my current parents. Heard it non stop during a family get together this weekend. And have heard it a few times in other situations as well. All of the times it's been said to be, it was in a way that they were commending me for being able to do something they felt they would not be able to do themselves. I just smile and say, "I really do enjoy it. "

[SunshineMama]

I always say that, surprisingly, it's easier with more kids because they entertain each other. 1:1 care is way harder than 1:4, for example!

[Renae82]

"which is why, you'll note, i'm pretty picky about who i enroll, and how i run my program. On that note, how does jr. Go to sleep?"

love it!

[e.j.]

How do you respond to comments like this, especially when it is said BY an interviewing parent DURING an interview. I'm like, "hello, if you don't think anyone can do this WHY ARE YOU HERE WASTING MY TIME."

I find especially that I get this comment from people who are interviewing with me and are NOT going to sign up. As in, I'm not sure I've ever signed someone up after they've said that to me.

How do you respond? I usually go for a smile and something along the lines of "Oh it took practice but now I'm so used to the crowd that it feels strange when it's just a couple of them!" or "Patience, practice, and a lot of routines!"

but....gah! WHY. Go away if you don't think a person can watch six kids at a time unless they are an underpaid, inexperienced, uneducated worker at a center

Parents have said it to me, too, but I've always taken it as a compliment. If ever I thought someone was being insulting, though, I would just turn it back on them by asking very innocently, "Why do you ask?" or "What makes you say that?" and then just wait for a response. If you've never tried it, you'd be amazed at how well it works to shut people up!:: When they have to explain their own comment, it gives them a chance to realize how dumb or rude it sounded.

[SilverSabre25]

Parents have said it to me, too, but I've always taken it as a compliment. If ever I thought someone was being insulting, though, I would just turn it back on them by asking very innocently, "Why do you ask?" or "What makes you say that?" and then just wait for a response. If you've never tried it, you'd be amazed at how well it works to shut people up!:: When they have to explain their own comment, it gives them a chance to realize how dumb or rude it sounded.

I have tried it actually and the people always have reasons. THEY couldn't do it, so how can I? It's frustrating. I've tried explaining but I'm about to the point where the next person who says it I'm going to smile and say well if you don't think one person can care for six kids then WHY ARE YOU HERE?