Ask The Preschool Teacher: Question 149

3/22/02 Question 149

Dear Preschool Teacher,
This is my first year teaching preschool and I absolutely love it! I am in my mid- twenties, but look like I am 18. My parents are having a trust issue with me because of my appearance. Are there any ways to settle my parent's fears that I am extremely competent in what I am doing?
Young For Life

Dear Young For Life,
You could dress professionally, but you will probably still be young looking. Don't wear jeans and tees and tennis shoes. Try an older hair style but don't change anything you don't want to change. The only way to gain trust is to earn it. Act professional and remain calm when someone questions your abilities. Tell them your qualifications if it is an issue.
Enjoy looking young as long as you can. Time has a way of aging us all eventually. Working with young children helps keep us young in outlook too.
Have fun.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Young For Life,
We have also had this problem at our preschool in the past. Put forth a confident attitude (even if you don't feel it at times). Dress and conduct yourself in a professional manner. Handle problems as efficiently and professional as you can. Parents at times can attack--try not to respond with emotions. Unfortunately, wisdom does come with age. I am 41 and can handle problems a lot better now than when I was in my 20s.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Young For Life,
     I am in my forties and I have three teenagers aside from my three year old. Parents younger than me or with less and younger children still usually feel they know better, when it comes to their kids! I just smile and am polite.
Hang in there! You love your job, just let that show!
Heide
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Young For Life,
     I know of what you speak. I'm now 42 and people tell me they thought I was in my late 20's. You WILL appreciate the genes you were given when you get older. Until then, dress the part of "school teacher". Not necessarily dresses but no jeans or t-shirts.
      Remember you are the one who is the expert about child development. When ever that comment came around I would just smile. Sometimes people say things to get a rise out of a person. Therefore, no response is many times better than a long explanation.
     This is just a voice from experience. Good luck with your teaching!
Annie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"

Dear Young For Life,
The only advice I can give is to do your best and to keep communications open. I don't "look" like everyone else. I am just me, but all the other parents start to trust you by what you do not how you look. Just keep up the good work.
Nikki
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"