The lingering parent

[Dreamalittledream]

Always nice to know you can share info about the child and a comment on the weather or something, but...the lingering parent is very different. That is the parent that goes through the kind and comfy conversation and the "awkward" silence and enters the "boundary cross".

Yes, exactly...I have parents that do stay and share little funny stories about their children's day or whatever....it's light and fun...and often pretty quick because they all have their toddlers running at their feet. But in this case, part of it is this Mom's child is not yet walking...so, any conversation involves me holding this child (who is very heavy and not easy to hold...killing my back)...I would put her down but she is off and crawling and putting everything in her mouth...not as much of a problem inside the playroom...but outside impossible to talk with her and keep my eyes on her & the rest. As well, her conversation is extremely confrontational...sh e obviously has trust issues; the child at 8 months (when she came to me in June) had already been in 4 daycare centers (each stay lasting a week max) before coming to me.

[kidlove]

Well, that said..first off congrats on keeping her this long if she left 4 others and the child is only that old. or...maybe you are the only one who will talk to her. ha ha just kidding! you must be doing a good job if she is so picky and protective and seems to trust you so well. Have you tried handing the child to the mother immediately? rather than hold her while she is "chatting your ear off"? do you think she could be waiting for that transfer so she can get going to? or does it not matter who is holding the child? maybe you could (while talking) give "little hints" like, help put the babies coat on or hand her the diaper bag (if there is one). or just do what I do and when you feel it's time to be done, continue answering her questions while sweeping the floor or diapering another child, as to send the message of..."I have other things to do".