I am an Assistant Director at a childcare center so I communicate with families on a daily basis. I am a very outgoing person. I greet each person as they walk through the door in the morning and I tell them to "have a great evening" before they leave for the day. I have worked at the same center for years so I know all of the families and they all know who I am. Most of the clients at my center are very nice, and they reply when I speak to them, but there have been times when I have had to deal with some clients who are not as friendly.
Many of our parents are in a rush to pick up their children and leave at the end of the day. I understand that, but when someone pretends they do not hear me speaking to them, gives me the cold shoulder, or ignores me, I can become a little irritated. Most of the time it is because they are on their phones so it isn't just me they aren't paying attention to. They are too busy talking on their phone to notice anything going on around them, sadly sometimes this includes their child.
Another reason a parent at the center may not acknowledge me is because tuition is due and they have not paid. In this situation they are in and out of the building so fast is is nearly impossible to catch them. They pretend not to see or hear anyone.
Then the individuals who do not ever speak to you, avoid you at all costs, and act like you don't exist, ask to speak to you in the office. So I think, maybe they want to make a payment or something has been going on in their personal lives that may explain their rude behavior. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. So my patience is once again tested when they have the nerve to complain because breakfast is served too early, or their child has paint on their clothes.
I love my job, I love the families that we serve, and I love the children that we work with. I have had to deal with some individuals who are inconsiderate and unfriendly. In this situation, I always try to make sure I speak with them every opportunity I get. I know it doesn't feel good to be ignored or for someone to give you the cold shoulder so I make a point to communicate with all of my clients to be sure we are meeting all of their needs to the best of our abilities. Even if they make us crazy sometimes! :)
The reason I assigned this question is because I have seen staff do this to each other, the director and to the parents. Students need to become aware of their own feelings about this issue so they can understand how important it is to others to be acknowledged. Thoughtful answer
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