DongDuong
Different Perspectives I The Parent Max Brown (3 years 9 months) is…
Different Perspectives I
The Parent
Max Brown (3 years 9 months) is always losing things – his shoes, socks, glasses, hat and jumper. He is always ‘too busy’ to put his belongings into his locker. Every afternoon staff hunt around for Max’s things. Mrs Brown, an accountant in a large accounting company, has a very stressful and demanding job. She is always in a hurry, rushing to and from the service. Mrs Brown often seems agitated and short tempered with Max. Some staff feel that her expectations of Max are unrealistic as he is quite immature for his age and is a bit of a day dreamer.
Today, Max arrived wearing brand new joggers and socks his uncle gave him for his birthday. Mrs Brown’s parting words to Max (but also for the benefit of the staff) were, “Max, when I come to collect you this afternoon, make sure you have both joggers on and your socks on your feet!”
When Mrs Brown came to collect Max, only one sock could be found. Mrs Brown became extremely angry with Max and the staff. ‘I’m fed up with having to search for things every single day. Doesn’t anyone around here take responsibility for anything?! I’m fed up with you too Max, from now on you can come to child care without any shoes or socks!’ Mrs Brown grabbed the now crying Max by the arm and stormed out of the service.
That night Mrs Brown recounts her behaviour to her partner. ‘I know I over-reacted and they all think I’m a terrible parent! It’s just that I’m always hunting around for Max’s things when all I want to do is collect Max and go home so we can spend some quality time together.’ Mrs Brown begins to cry.
The Educator
When Director Kate why Mrs Brown and Max were upset when leaving, educator Zennie responds.
‘Well, you know how it is. Some parents are easy to get along with and some aren’t. Some are terribly demanding, and others just go with the flow. Mrs Brown was angry about a missing sock. I do try to look at things from the parent’s perspective, but really, a missing sock just isn’t even on my radar. She needs to realise Max is only one of many children we care for each day! Mrs Brown can be so rude and demanding. Every day she rushes in and rushes out. She never stops and chats. It makes me wonder why she even has a child because she doesn’t seem to have any time for him!’
The Director
Kate listens to Zennie without comment and then tells Zennie that she will talk to her in the morning. Kate is concerned that Zennie’s comments are unprofessional and lack empathy for Mrs Brown who is a busy working mother. Kate reflects upon the service Communication Policy and how this incident connects to the Code of Ethics.
Kate emails Mrs Brown and apologises. She asks if Mrs Brown could meet with her at a time convenient to Mrs Brown. Kate then prepares for the meeting reviewing the Complaints Policy and thinks about solutions to resolve this issue in a positive manner.
a – In the scenario, the focus of Mrs Brown’s anger was the missing sock. Suggest what might be the underlying cause of her frustration.
b – What is Zennie’s perspective of the incident?
c – What is Kate’s perspective of the incident?
d – What policies and procedures could Kate follow?
e – Suggest one action Kate might take to mend the relationship with Mrs Brown.
f – Suggest one action Kate might take with Zennie to assist her to better understand the perspective of parents.
