Does anyone else find it awkward to interact with the parents?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I consider myself a pretty shy person, but I never imagined that I'd have so much difficulty interacting so closely with both my bosses every day. It just intimidates me. Anyone else?

I can't pinpoint what it is. There is always this awkwardness between us. Maybe it's just that I'm an employee inside their home, I don't know. The dad isn't too bad, he seems a lot more interested in the work I've done that day than the mom is... the mom, while incredibly sweet, doesn't ever really talk to me. I think she feels awkward too, because during the interview she said "I remember from my babysitting days how it was kind of awkward when the parents were home." I keep trying to strike more friendly conversation but I don't think she's up for it, she just gives quick responses and before I know it I'm just out the door and feel pretty bad about how any conversation went or rather lack thereof.

Also, before the parents leave in the morning and if the kids are up feels even worse... Yeah I know I have a lot to learn. Obviously with the kids when the parents aren't there it's fine.

Anyone else or is this just me

[Anonymous]

Oh no, sounds like personality wise you may not be a good fit together!

[Anonymous]

How old are the kids? How many hours a week are you there?

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you're immature and don't know how to talk to adults. Pull together three things you want to tell them, be concise, and then excuse yourself. Boom, done.

[Anonymous]

Do you have confidence issues? I'm not the most secure but I've always felt comfortable taliking with my employers. Communication is imperative to a successful relationship. The only time I ever felt awkward was one situation but it was a horrible time. I didn't click with the parents at all. I think you need to make a bigger effort. MB might be sensing your awkwardness.

[Anonymous]

Not at all, I love chatting with MB when she gets home. She comes and gets her greetings from the kids and then its not like I rush out the door. She comes and sits with us and we talk a bit about our days and upcoming plans and schedule changes. It's quite enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Hmm....Is this a relatively new position? Perhaps you just need some time to just warm up to each other and get to know one another.

Or maybe it could be that your personalities are just not a good match.

Since the parents are not at home while you are working, this won't be a daily issue so I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it bothers you.

[Anonymous]

I feel awkward during the first few weeks of a new job but not beyond that. You are both setting up the "system" (for lack of a better word) on how you will communicate. I focus on talking about my charges. I make a point of not talking about my personal life so that gets sorted out by me giving polite but short answers to any questions.

After you all figure out how to communicate and how much information they need to know, it gets easier.

[Anonymous]

I keep it short and sweet. Larla had a great day she woke up around 7:30, she ate all her breakfast, I made her oatmeal with blueberries then we went to the park. She napped from 12-2:30. I don't tell them everything we did just a few details Then I leave.

[Anonymous]

I sometimes feel awkward talking with the dad if I don't see him much. Usually not the mom, and I have had several positions that I start to talk with the mom and have to force myself to leave at the end of the day (it's been 20 minutes and we are still chatting pretty good).

[Anonymous]

They're probably eager to let you go & get to their family routine for the evening, so don't expect a full conversation when they come home. Report out to them what they need to know and if they don't have any questions, get on home.

If it's a baby, tell them when the baby last woke up, last ate, and any changes in behavior from the day, plus an cute moments the parents would appreciate. If it's an old kid, let them know the status on homework, when the kid had dinner, any messages the school wanted conveyed, etc.