So who out there has felt completely inadequate at their job? Frustrated? Helpless? Overwhelmed? I had one of those days on Friday, and it sucked. I’ve been having those days, actually, since I switched jobs after we moved. I’ve never had it too bad when it comes to paperwork, but I truly feel that the amount of paperwork in this job gets in the way of how effective I can be at the MOST IMPORTANT PART of it, which is EXECUTING THE TREATMENT. Part of this job also involves going into people’s homes and, essentially, teach them how to encourage their child’s language development. I really, really don’t care for going into other people’s homes, particularly when said homes are, shall we say, of a certain amount of suckitude. Smoky, dirty, scary. Not all, but a good number of them are. Hey out there, if you’ve got people coming into your home to provide assistance with you or your child, here’s a tip: VACUUM YOUR FLOORS ONCE A DECADE. We do not want to sit on multi-month old Cheerios, Cheetos, or M&Ms. Nor do we want to step in animal crap, pee, or puke. Also–if you have other children in the house, DO NOT LET THEM CLIMB ALL OVER ME OR MY STUFF. You are sitting right there, I should NOT have to discipline your other children.
2 responses so far ↓
awalkabout // March 9, 2008 at 2:27 pm
While I sympathize with you, being one of those families where people have to come in to help our children with therapy, let me remind you that having your home open to speech therapists, TSS, BSCs, parenters or whoever else isn’t really the highlight of our day either. We would all like to have a normal life like everyone else where our home is private and our children are healthy.
I always made an effort to have the house clean, fresh coffee on and a sequestered place where the therapist and child could work without the stimulation of siblings. (although the cat always felt at home with our BSC.) My therapists would often comment on how different it was coming to a house where there were no issues of poverty, abuse and neglect. I appreciate what you do. I’m sure the position takes more patience than I’d ever have.
On the other hand, perhaps you and your agency could work out a list of minimum requirements that could be shared with the parent at the first meeting, and addressed for the benefit of the treating child, i.e. one on one time (no sibs, pets, etc.) and if there wasn’t a clean place with no distractions, then you could find one at your office or maybe the library where it would be less convenient for the parent. The job is hard enough; no sense in families making it any less pleasant. If you’re distracted from treating the child by fears of flea infestation or other disease, obviously you can’t do your best work either. Thank you for what you do. It’s why my daughter is coming out of her shell. Without people like you, we’d be lost.
controlfreakmommy // March 9, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Oh, awalkabout. I had no idea anyone would actually read this post! Your house absolutely sounds like a wonderful place to work, and please don’t think I don’t like the meat and potatoes of what my job is supposed to be about. I really do. The factors that stand in the way (paperwork) are the main issues. Your idea of having a list of minimum requirements (no TV on would definitely be another) is a fantastic one–I will bring that up at our next staff meeting! I get this way when I feel inadequate, and it doesn’t just come from work; it’s also stress from the other areas of my life too.
Thanks for reading!