Originally Posted by
BallyH
Big hugs. We've all had this to some degree or other. It usually starts in some form from day one as we try to make an impression to parents that we are friendly/approachable etc and are willing to talk about their child's day there and then (even if we fill out very detailed diaries listing the exact same contents). And as Bunyip and yourself have said the lo's perform to the audience (you & parent) both of whom seem to be not listening or watching them and it's very hard to nip it the bud. I've tried various strategies over the years from saying 'sorry I can't chat tonight I've got a doctors appointment (even gotten in my car before with my own kids) all the info is in her diary, to speaking to the child the next day about their behaviour, or clapping my hands (in a silly sing-song way - that even the child stopped to look strangely at me) and handing them their coat, with a big smile. Try to change the behaviour slowly, about 20 seconds shorter every evening and invite them in but then open the door to let them out with a huge smile so that's the last thing they remember as you close the door and not 'hang on I think I've been thrown out'.
Oh I've also been known to set my oven timer for xx minutes and refuse to switch it off till they are out the door saying something like 'oh that's Xxx's tea he's off to cubs tonight sorry I have to rush'. But don't feel guilty.