* It certainly should not be seen as a time to 'get through' so that you can move on with full responsibility for the baby or toddler.
* A positive experience for parents will enable them to trust you, and future communication is likely to be easier, even if one of you has something difficult to say.
* Adults have feelings as well as the children. You may not always talk about feelings with a parent, but you can admit to yourself that emotions are a factor.
* Your own feelings will also be important in a working relationship with parents and other family carers. As an early years professional you will sometimes need to talk about difficult feelings with your manager in supervision.
* You should aim for a friendly working relationship with parents, but you are not 'making friends'. Professionalism means that you have to treat all parents in an even-handed way and not make choices about time and attention depending on how easily you get along with certain parents.
