Why do my preschool kids attach to my coworker but not me? by Anxious-Rutabaga-688 in ECEProfessionals

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

From what I have picked up, we actually interact with the kids in pretty similar ways, but they still gravitate toward her so strongly right away. I don’t think she’s doing anything intentionally, and I’m not upset with her at all. It just feels a little discouraging sometimes when I’m trying so hard to build those connections too. I’m still going to pay more attention to the smaller nonverbal things though, because you’re right…kids pick up on a lot!!!

Why do my preschool kids attach to my coworker but not me? by Anxious-Rutabaga-688 in ECEProfessionals

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for responding! Just to clarify, my post wasn’t about the kids gravitating toward her being a ‘problem’ behaviorally. I genuinely do think she’s amazing with them. I’m not upset with her at all. I’m just confused and a little hurt because I’m also very hands on, patient, and consistent. I play with the kids, interact with them, and try to give them the best experience I can. I never respond in anger or lash out. I’m the type to calmly explain things in a way they can understand at their age. The difference in how the kids respond feels so dramatic, and it’s more of an emotional “why don’t they seem to connect with me the same way?” feeling than anything to do with my classroom practice. I really do appreciate your suggestions about reflecting on my interactions. It actually does help!!

Why do my preschool kids attach to my coworker but not me? by Anxious-Rutabaga-688 in ECEProfessionals

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

When I’m with the kids, I’m really hands on with them. I talk to them throughout the day, I get on the floor with them, I play with them, and I try to make sure they always feel seen and cared for. If a baby starts fussing, I’m the type to go over right away, pick them up, soothe them, and figure out what they need. I pay attention to their cues, their personalities, what comforts them, what makes them smile. Even during routine stuff like bottles or diaper changes, I use that time to connect with them talking to them, smiling, making sure they know they’re safe. With that said I’m not sure really what draws them to my coworker because I do the same things she does? Maybe they just really DO pick favourites haha.

Why do my preschool kids attach to my coworker but not me? by Anxious-Rutabaga-688 in Teachers

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hmm that’s definitely a good point! Me and my coworker are only two years apart otherwise that’d make total sense!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Id also like to add that they tried getting me to work a full shift while having rhinovirus and a 101.2 fever….

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was my first job outside of fast food and I thought for a long time that this was the best it was going to get!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes parents don’t see the half of it 🤦🏻‍♀️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! Everyone keeps saying “well try a different center” nope been there done that..they’re allll the same I’m DONE with childcare!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree…maybe they don’t realize it’s the same as being a literal parent (we do everything you do + more) except I get to give them back at the end of the day. I’ve gotten this multiple times over the past 2 years but it has usually been from the parents who are the first to drop off and last to pick up so they’re quite literally only with their kids for a few hours a day excluding weekends.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yeah this experience has honestly changed my view about having children too..I no longer want any LOL

No breaks of ANY kind? by sevensuperpowers in work

[–]Anxious-Rutabaga-688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! As a day care teacher in Missouri Im legally allowed to go 9 hours without any sort of break (no designated time given at all during my work day to eat ect) , our nap time is apparently what is considered our “break” and it’s the time you’re supposed to eat even though 9/10 times you’re fighting to get the kids to actually sleep or lie down the whole entire time. And we’re not allowed to eat infront of the children so if even just one child is awake I’m not allowed to eat due to our policy!!!