I had a parent like this. She'd just started back to work and seemed to be questioning EVERYTHING I did. It was never hostile or confrontational, but I'd get texts saying "I know you told me her bum was red, but oh my, it's really red," "it looks like your bibs are rubbing her neck, I'll pack some of my own for her yo use" or reminding me in the morning of things we'd agreed on or discussed already, "I just wanted to mention that we don't like her to nap in her jeans, since she's had issues with them rubbing in her sleep." Just really micromanaging everything, and it was a bit patronizing, I got the impression that she didn't trust my instincts as a provider. This is also the parent that asked when her 12 month old (who was still crying almost all day at that point) was going to be doing crafts.

As I understand it from a mutual friend, DCM was feeling bad about going to work, felt like she should be staying home with dcg, and adjusting to not being home all day, not seeing dcg as much, all that jazz. While I understand those feelings, questioning me and making me feel like they questioned my intelligence was wearing (though I know that wasn't her intention). I don't think it's something we should have to deal with. I'd maybe ask how they are feeling (I "touched base" with mom to see how things were going and how they were feeling, but it was during their third week so it made sense) about everything. When I did this , I think the mom got the point that I didn't think they were happy, and it's gotten better.

I came close to terminating a couple of times. I'd be nervous about getting a text or email from her all evening after she was here and I just didn't think I should have to deal with that. Neither should you, so I'd try to work with mom on it. If it doesn't get better with a "check in" I'd probably go for a more straightforward "I'm getting the impression that you aren't happy with care, is there something I can do to reassure you?"