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I wish my daughter’s daycare teacher would smile every once in a while

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Let me preface this by saying I really like my daughter’s daycare. Its got a great reputation, it meets or exceeds all the New York State standards for daycare facilities, and Emmy seems to trust her teachers and enjoy the company of her classmates.

But would it kill her head teacher to smile every once in a while? Every morning I bring Em to the classroom, her teacher greets me with an expression that can only be described as slightly to acutely overwhelmed (slightly overwhelmed on Tuesdays, acutely overwhelmed on Thursdays.)

 I know it is really hard work to take care of eight toddlers, with one assistant teacher backing you up. I know its been a really tough winter, with the children under her care (my daughter included) passing around endless coughs and colds, and her own children being sick for weeks on end.  Still, I don’t think it is too much to ask her to greet parents and (more importantly) children with a slightly more upbeat attitude at the beginning of each day. The assistant teachers smile… why can’t she?

I don’t know if I should actually do anything to address this situation. Is it worth telling the daycare supervisor/manager that my daughter’s teacher seems depressed? Is it actually important, or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I suppose, if the head teacher’s less-than-sunny disposition bothers me that much, I could look into the possibility of Emmy switching to a different toddler room, but that would mean Emmy would have to learn to trust and play with a whole new group of people. I’d like to avoid that if possible.

Maybe I should wait until spring, when there are less viruses circulating. Maybe Em’s teacher will be a happier woman when she is not being coughed on quite so much, or wiping so many noses. Maybe I should ask Em’s teacher if there is anything wrong, or if I can do anything to help?

Or maybe I should just get over it.

Dvora Koelling

http://mooshkatoo.blogspot.com/

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edavis 52 pts

I think it's important to follow your gut. If you think somebody is depressed or having a hard time, then reaching out is important - either directly or indirectly. Everybody in the daycare room will benefit from having some positive supportive energy.

victorias_view 1997 pts moderator

A smile can make a world of difference in how you interact with people. And I think it is rare to come across a preschool teacher who doesn't smile. Maybe she is shy around adults?

dvorakoelling 5 pts

victorias_view Thank you, Victoria.The teacher does speak to me, but it is generally about the stresses she has. Maybe I can do more to encourage her to speak about (and focus on) the positive aspects of teaching and parenting. I just don't want to cross any mommy/teacher boundaries...

isthisthemiddle 1012 pts

victorias_view Yes, and we never know. She may have problems at home, be under financial strain, or a family member may be really ill. Sometimes it's hard to leave those problems at home.