Hello,
I have not started my home care as of yet but worked in a daycare centre. This field of taking care of other peoples's children is one that is very much disrespected. I too have had rude parents talk over me and being disrespectful. One of the ways I have come to dealing with difficult parents is by having the policies and contract ready to remind them of the rules. For example, I had one parent bring in their sick child constantly. The child would have diarrhea. After three diarrheas I would call the mom. The mom would show up and really fight to bring him in the next day. I would say something like, "according to our health policy your child must be diarrhea free for at least 24 hours before accepting him into our programme. This is for the health of the other children as well as your child." I find because people (staff, parents) thought I was easy to attack having a written document would help. I learned that we cannot go against our signed contracts and for good reason so that rules are applied to everyone! I also attended leadership courses that helped me become more assertive. I had a mentor tell me to speak out against something everyday to help you find your voice. For example, if your neigbour or spouse says something rude or you see something unbecoming speak out. This was hard. I had to start with speaking to actual strangers about anything in order to find my voice. For example, "is that paper towel brand a really good brand?" I have learned that no matter what you do all parents cannot be happy. I realize that as long as you are working hard to ensure the child is cared for to the best of your ability than that is all you should do. This is not about keeping the parent happy but the child. When parents start minimizing what you do. Say something like "I am here to ensure that your son has the best care. Today we will . . . and tell them what you have planned for your programme and how it will benefit him. All the best