Annoying parent at my kid"s extracurricular

[Anonymous]

I know a mom like this, it isn't so much about her children as much as it is a nonstop stream of verbal diarrhea. The women never shuts up. I have found that simply stepping away from the conversation works great. Ba other mom will usually come join me a few minuets later and then another, this keeps going until she shows up and I repeat the process again. I will say that she is a really nice person and I think it's just nerves on her part but it can be too much.

[Anonymous]

Don't shut her out, at least not this early in the game. She may end up being insufferable, but she may also be nervous and in need of a friend.

Oh, yes, Sally, it's exciting to watch the kids as they mature. But enough about that. What do you like to do for fun apart from the kids?

Or some other ice breaking question. Some people just have trouble with silence and babble until they feel comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like hr social skills aren't that great. Is it possible she's lonely and doesn't have much of an outlet? Maybe her husband never listens to her? I don't find her actions to be that offensive, I'd probably just smile and nod.

Same here. Just deal with it, OP. Sheesh. She's a parent in your circle, like it or not.

[Anonymous]

One thing that often helps chronic verbal diarrhea is when she repeats topics (like how her child got into AAP) respond quickly, "Yes, you've mentioned that before." Let her talk about something new, like what she did today, but keep highlighting the things that she's repeating. Some people just need to be reminded that they're taking over a conversation with things they've said multiple times.

[Anonymous]

Book, headphones or knitting. The headphones can work even if you don't have anything playing through them. If you're inclined to visit briefly then just excuse yourself to listed to this podcast you were in the middle of . . .

[Anonymous]

I think you're talking about a swim mom I know!