Need insight about matury/immaturity from parents of 5+ year olds

[singingwife]

I have a manager who has told me, after some little mistakes to "grow up" and "what are you, 5?" At least it seems that way; like putting something somewhere wrong by mistake, by asking a question either the wrong way, a reminder of something that I need in order to do my job right, that sort of thing.
So, those with 5-year-olds, what kind of behavior did you expect from them? And, with children older than that, for what do you tell them "you're acting like a 5-year-old"? I also remember hearing that often growing up(I'm a firstborn if that helps) but I don't remember any things that I was told in order to correct that. Also, it made me walk on eggshells for not wanting to ask questions about what to do next, because I wanted to ask in a way that WAS mature.
Any insights would be helpful.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

I would never demean my children by telling them them something like that. It's very insulting. Children need to ask questions- lots of questions--the same questions over and over and over again...it's how the learn and assimilate information.

HEck- I need to ask lots of questions...I forget stuff and get really scatterbrained.

Why would you let your boss talk to you that way? That's not professional, and not a way that is acceptable for adults to speak to one another. Personally it sounds like you boss has some issues. Perhaps you need some counseling in order to really address the wounds you have from growing up, and learn to deal with your struggles constructively, as well as to understand reasonable behaviours, boundaries and expectations??

 

[Robinsegg]

5yo's vary wildly from one another. . . . I think what your manager is saying is "I don't want to have to babysit you, just do your job." Now, I'm not saying he's putting it well, or that his view is right . . . just maybe that's what he's trying to say.

I'd say there are a couple of things you might be able to do for yourself here:

1. Make sure you write things down if you have a tendency to forget them.

2. See if a co-worker knows the answer before bothering your boss.

3. Check to see if your boss's stress level is high . . . which would help you understand his reactions.

Rachel

 

[NoWarning2Flight]

Your boss is unprofessional. It has nothing to do with the behavior of a 5 year old but the poor management skills of an adult.

I will not shame my children by saying phrases like "Act your age." "How old are you?" "Stop acting like a baby." I would expect no less from an adult speaking to me, another adult.

 

[shaslove]

Your boss needs to be respectful to you, and saying that is very disrespectful. Ask him exactly what it is he does not like about your performance.

You should expect to be treated like an adult, and not like a child.

 

[singingwife]

Thanks. It's nice to know parents who would not "demean" your child by saying such things. I've always had a fear of having my own children in wondering if I would end up saying those such things in the heat of a moment. And God has blessed me as a childless woman.
Yes; I believe this particular manager has issues; some personal, and some related to the work environment. Yesterday he posted a memo about theft that is happening, and I know I'm not the only one who gets the cranky comments like this. Thankfully he is not the only manager, and I had 2 days this week when he was not there. And when he was, he's doing better at communicating his needs. But I still don't trust him much.
I believe God is working in his life, and he may be lashing out as a means of rebellion, so I continue to pray for him, and claim Scripture and sing Scripture songs to myself quietly. Those who may have been praying for me as well, thank you.

 

[Stan53]

So, those with 5-year-olds, what kind of behavior did you expect from them?

Five year old, eh?
First I'd ignore the boss. But he could be trying to tell you something, and I'll leave the rest for you to work out. I think if my boss were to say that to me, I'd be putting my thinking cap on about now and I would certainly be improving my work performance.
But back to that five year old. We have one of them. She is about as inconsistent as they get. One minute she is so good, and the next about as naughty has you can make her. One minute helpful, the next a hindrance. Now she want chocolate, then cheese and chocolate will not do. She can one minute be as stubborn as can be, the next so compliant. One minute you would think butter wouldn't melt in her mouth and the next she can throw a tantrum that you would swear she belonged to some one else. One minute she wants hugs and then the next it is don't touch me.
Above all she is lovely and desirable and I would have it any other way.
Which one is the boss using to describe you?

 

[Linnis]

My nephew moved in with us when he was 5 [he's almost 11 now wow!] and he was cuddling, talked alot, asked so many questions some days I put a limit on the amount of whys LOL, he could be afraid of the dark, had a stuffed animal, loved to color. He had his bad days too where he'd freak out, not want to eat anything but cereal, be demanding in a store. He was capable of completeing simply tasks like setting the table if I got out the dishes as he was too short, clearing away his own dishes, but some thought I babied him because I felt 5 was too young to be in the bathtub without me in the room.