To ask if she had a right to be annoyed?

[IceAndASlice123]

Was told last minute to help at a parent and toddler club at my workplace today.
The lady running it was very rude. Was getting exasperated with me as I didn't know where everything went (equipment wise) and gave me sarcastic responses at times when I asked questions.
I interacted with the children, the parents and helped all I could but started feeling upset at how she was treating me. I know it was annoying for her having someone new in but am I being unreasonable to expect some patience and respect?

It's not your fault you didn't know. She was probably stressed too. If you don't have to work with her again, try not to stew on it.

I do unfortunately. Every Friday morning.
Thank you. My friend said the lady had a right to be stressed and annoyed and that I have to see it from her point of view. I do understand the frustration but it also wasnt my fault and I was giving it my best shot.

She may have had a right to be stressed - but she didn’t have any right to take it out on you, @IceAndASlice!

If afterwards she calmed and apologised for being rude then I think it would be different but I hate when people are like that!!

Yanbu - how are you supposed to know where items should go? She was rude and ungrateful, I would speak to her about it before the next session and pull her up on any sarcasm.

Or just work with kids and their parents let her do all the putting away herself!

My friend said the lady had a right to be stressed and annoyed

It may well have been a stressful situation but that doesn’t make it ok to take it out on you, the person who was actually there, helping the best you could. If she repeats her unprofessional behaviour, is there anyone you could talk to about it? Who was it that sent you to help?

It was your first time volunteering and she acted irritated and annoyed that you didn’t psychically already know how to do the job? Not unreasonable at all.

Be brave and say something. “Look Marjorie, I’m new at this. Please be more patient and explain what you think I should be doing.”

Was it timing maybe? Were you asking after the kids had gone? Or while they were there?

But no, she had no right to be rude at all

Halfway through the session, the kids are taken to the back of the hall for a snack so the staff can set up the equipment so I wasn't asking these questions at inappropriate times.
I fully understand her stress but it wasn't nice to be made to feel like I was making her life harder. I will definitely need to pull her up on it next time.
I was told to go and help by one of the line managers as my current role isn't bringing any kids in on a Friday (Creche run at the same place )