Colleague speaking to me like I know nothing

[Iforgot97]

I work in a nursery as an assistant, I am actually unqualified in childcare but I did do a college TA course but this is my first time actually working with children. I have worked there 5 months and I have my own DC. She is constantly saying things, like what might seem like helpful tips but its really basic things and it's starting to make me feel a bit uncomfortable and it's constant. It's sounding like she thinks I know nothing. If I go with a small group of children, she is constantly sticking her head round the door saying 'are you ok, can you manage?' Nothing at all to do with how I am working as I am enjoying working with the children and have got to know them all now. Another colleague did say she fusses. Aibu to be annoyed though?

I think it sounds as though she's being nice.

You're unqualified, never worked with children before and you've only been there 5 months.

Of course she's going to want to make sure you and the children are ok.

I get that but its just the fact it is constant, like it just makes me feel less confident in myself if that makes sense. I feel like she is doubting me

Could you have a quiet word with her and tell her if you need her help/advice you'll come to her for it, but that you'd like to build your own confidence?

I have read this exact post before!

Are you in England? If so I believe all nursery staff should be qualified to a Level 2 minimum. May be you should do a course at Level 2 to begin with, so you understand some basic child development, best practice, safe guarding etc. Your colleague probably feels nervous knowing you're not qualified at all.

Make it backfire on her. Like this.

I agree with LoopyLooooo

If she's the owner, Manager or supervisor, you could ask to speak to her after the children have gone home.

Maybe ask for some feedback on how she feels you're getting on. Let her know how much you love the job and how happy you are.

Are you interested in gaining any qualifications in childcare? If so, maybe ask about that.

Also, if she is in one of the above roles, it's literally her responsibility to make sure her staff and the children are OK! Don't take it personally.

Is she trying to help or just micromanaging you? If you feel like she is micromanaging you ask for a meeting about your performance. If you can’t sort it out can you ask to move to another room? I worked with a few people like this when I worked in nurseries, unfortunately the job attracts people that like to have power over others rather than people that enjoy working with children. I found changing jobs was the only way to avoid working with people who were constantly looking over my shoulder and commenting. Though the worst one for this was very knowledgeable so I bit my tongue and listened to everything she said.

You are not qualified and have no experience. You are lucky to have a job, there are plenty of qualified people that would love to be in your position. You don't know anything compared to your collegues experience. You should be paying attention and learning everything you can from her.

Yes I am, I did all this in my TA Level 2 course