Originally Posted by thrivingchildcarecom:
I absolutely understand! It is hard, especially when you do have a great connection with people. What I would say (and I mean this very respectfully) is that as providers we need to first respect the position we have. Over the years I probably crossed the line too by accepting the graces of certain families which causes certain parents to take me and my business less serious. It's hard enough to get parents to respect our profession as it is.
So I made the decision to maintain the professional relationship ONLY when the child was still in attendance with me. Then, after they leave if we still want to have a relationship that would be fine.
I guess it's kinda like working in the corporate world. You wouldn't necessarily want to hang out and party with your boss, that would be considered inappropriate.
It is hard. If we were not loving, caring people we wouldn't likely choose this profession. That means our hearts and our brains fight a lot.