Fixing the past?

It's amazing how long some people can hold a grudge. I don't see that the comment you made was enough to keep that child from liking you a year later. Children don't typically hold grudges that long, but parents certainly can. I would repeatedly explain to her that due to regulations, her daughter has to come to someone who is part of that group. If she continues to give you resistance, I would make sure that your principal and anyone else you report to is aware of the situation.

The parent is being dramatic and is teaching her daughter to act the same. We all make mistakes and not being able to forgive someone shows very poor character.

Anyway, wonder why the child could come to you for snacks/supplies? Why even involve you? If they are going to act that way. Who does she think is going to help her child if there is an EMERGENCY?!

I am not sure YOU can do anything to fix the problem- sounds like you have done all you can do to repair the relationship.

In my state, the UAP can only be utilized if the nurse is not available. And only RN's can give insulin in the school setting. So the student would HAVE to come to the nurse, when her Mom was not available. If it is different, in your state, then let the trained UAP handle the student's care. Not ideal IMO, but what else can you do. I would let the principal know about the situation.

Sorry you are dealing with this!! We ALL get tired, overwelmed and snappy. Part of being human.

In addition to the sound adivse above, I would ask the parent to put it in writing that she does not want the nurse involved in her child's care. If something goes wrong, I guarantee the nurse will be on the chopping block for it...ie "why were you not taking care of this student?"

I can;t add a whole lot to the advice you've been given. All of it's good. But it may behoove you to take a moment to discuss with the student's mom that you all need an opportunity to get past this. The bottom line is that people have bad days. When we're stressed and overworked, we become products of our environment and occasionally we may... just may.. be a little snappy. I am SURE you've NEVER had a student in your office or another staff member be rude to you. Just like i'm SURE that student and her mom are NEVER ever rude to anyone. If it were me i'd take the bull by the horns and make it a point to apologize to the student in front of the mom as an unplanned event - meaning catch them when they are together, but don't plan on meeting them for a "formal apology".

I'd say something like: I didn't realize you took my sassy remark so personally when i saw you last year for your mosquito bites. I was having a bad day and you felt some of the effects of it. I want you to know that you can feel free to come to my office if you ever need me and I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable.

The bottom line is that these people are really thin skinned. And while i'm not one to cowtow to somebody like that, you still have to work with mom so it's probably best to extend the olive branch - if they still don't come around and are self delegating tasks to unauthorized persons let your principal know and document the hack out of it.

[color=mediumturquoise]thank you! thank you! thank you! to all who gave encouraging words and reminded me of my human-like qualities today! all of you are truly a blessing.

update:

jane came in with stu at lunch time and i sat down and explained to her that i would need to be the one to give the insulin but jane would be here the whole time. we talked about the importance of eating all of her lunch, and it all went off without a hitch.

at about 1330, i remembered mom had told me that stu has been going low d/t not eating all her lunch the past few days. jane had gone off campus on other business, so i went to the class room to check on the stu. she came up to me and said "my stomach hurts and i'm shaky". we checked her bgl and it was 50! i gave her an 8oz soda that mom had left, had her sit for 15 and rechecked (106). while she was here, i tried to make small talk, and she seemed ok toward me.

after school, mom came to get her bag and said "so she didn't go low today?" i told her what happened, and she was suprised that stu came to me. i told her i went to her because of what she had told me and i wanted to make sure stu was ok.

basically, i think today went well, but we will see what the future brings.

Fantastic outcome - thanks for sharing. Great sensitivity in repairing the damage and restablishing the relationship with the child and the parent.

Good work!

Sounds like it went well! Glad to hear to hear it!