The lingering parent

[kidlove]

No Sunnydays: Not weird. I don't mind having a little reciprocated conversation between the parent and I as well, quick, comfortable and friendly talk between the two of you makes both feel at peace in the relationship of parent/provider. I agree with the comment of: when they don't talk its strange...sometimes makes me feel like "they don't really like me" very much when they don't have a "little" convo before exiting. 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". the parent that takes the shoes off uninvited or stays in the yard to play with their child when you are going to another area with all the rest of the kids. OR the one who stands at the front door while you are setting the table for supper. Thats the one who is a little "weird" or just missing the "social cue meter" in their DNA. It takes all kinds in this business. Just think...if every kid was perfect and every parent too, what in the world would we all say to each other every day? .................... .......

[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.