Nursery teachers snarky comment

[CheekyTealFawn]

I’m livid, wondering whether to bring it up or just leave it if I’m overreacting.

DD is 2 yrs 9 month old, and just started nursery today. She’ll go 2 days per week, 7.30am-6.30pm.

I work two jobs (one evening and one Saturday per week), as I am studying 30 hours per week for my BA in English, which I do on my childcare days, in nap times, and every free evening I have. So, I could really use every minute of help I can get.

I dropped DD off at 8.30am no problems. When I go to pick her up, I get there at 6.20pm. I see I have two missed calls from the nursery. I ask why they called, worried, and the manager laughed and said “because we want to go home.” I was confused, and said “oh, I’m so sorry, I thought pick up was before 6.30?” And she pulled a face and said “yes, but it’s Friday and your daughter is the last one here, and she has been waiting and asking for you and wondering why she is the only one”

All of the staff had their hats and coats on waiting by the door when I arrived. DD was also sat by the door with her hat and coat on looking out the window waiting for me. it’s made me feel like the worst mum, and extremely embarrassed as I felt like the staff were all looking at and judging me. My daughter loved her first day, seems very happy there, but I don’t know whether to say something to the manager about it?

I understand it’s Friday and of course the staff want to go home, but I didn’t initially want Fridays, but they made me pick that day since it was quieter and we’re only part time, to make room for more full time children on the other days .

i don’t know what I’d say, and I don’t know if mum guilt at leaving my daughter there last is making me more sensitive, but now I’m anxious to leave her there until 6.20, even though I could really use it since I’m constantly playing catch up with my university work because I’m forever lagging behind due to not being able to afford enough childcare.

am I being sensitive? Should I say something? If so, what?

Thanks so much!

Came back here because for the people who asked for an update, I have one! DD had her second day at nursery yesterday, which she loved and came home with the biggest smile on her face, and which she has spoken about all day today! And is excited about going again tomorrow.

I spoke with the manager, and I framed it as though I was worried I had done something wrong (I need to keep a good relationship with them and I was worried to get their backs up). She clarified she said it as a joke, but she appreciates that it was inappropriate since she hasn’t known me long enough for me to understand her sense of humour. I asked her about the phone calls, she said they were worried I was going to be late and wanted to check I knew what time to pick her up (which of course, I did). The coats thing I haven’t mentioned, as when I went to pick her up yesterday, she was happily playing. I’m going to see if it is different on Friday again, as obviously I think the fact it’s a Friday might be the problem! If so, I’m going to ask about the possibility of changing to Thursday, since I think it happening twice in a row gives me abit more of “bargaining power” (for lack of a better term).

thanks everyone again for your advice!

So glad about your update @CheekyTealFawn xxx

Thank you I feel a little better now! And thank you for sticking up for me while I’ve been away!!

You stuck up for yourself. You're a fab mum ❤️

That's a nice update OP.

Ignore or report the trolls. They are probably the sort of people too lazy to work or study so are jealous that you are out there working hard to improve your prospects.

I don’t think she’s being entirely honest, but she knows you’ve got the measure of her now, well done OP!

Im glad you said something. But the reasoning is bs. She is trying to save face. It was not a joke and even if I would ve very forging and tried really hard, I really struggle how anything that was said would pass as a joke. Also calling to make sure you haven't forgotten? They just figured they could bully you into coming to pick her up sooner so they can go home. They are now backpedaling cause you didn't just let it go.

Thought you were going to be late my arse. 6.31. is late, and not a minute before.

How was yesterday, not all in coats i hope?

Funnily enough, no!

my partner went instead of me yesterday so I didn’t see it for myself, as there were a few evenings this week I couldn’t work/study, so we decided I’d just keep working right through Friday until I finished. He got there 6.22 (I asked him to make sure he got the exact time 😂) and there were 2 other kids there as well as DD, all playing in the nursery room while they waited! I was really shocked!