How do I relate to women who live vicariously through their children and grandchildren?

Question

I have to work with some of them and in a supervisory capacity. I don't mean to be unkind but it makes me mad that they don't seem to have a life of their own.

Answer 1

You are being judgmental, they DO have a life of their own and that life includes their families.  This should NOT be a part of your job in a supervisory capacity other than if they are missing too much work or wanting too much time off.

If that is the case, they you have to put your personal feelings aside and base your response on "best case" scenario.

Answer 2

Relating may be tough but becoming angry about another person's lifestyle (as long as it doesn't interfere with you) is not really legitimately their problem or issue. Keep conversations minimal if you don't enjoy their company or topics ... probably they would prefer to talk with other like-minded individuals as well.  

Answer 3

If you're their supervisor their personal lives are really none of your business.  I understand what you mean tho.  I've never had kids and talking to women who talk on and on about their kids gets pretty tiresome.  Just smile, nod and say Aren't they cute or something now and then.  Since you only work with them the personal conversations shouldn't be horribly long and tiresome.   Keep most of your interaction professional and that should help.

Answer 4

I totally agree. it is very frustrating.

Answer 5

There are a lot of women who were brought up believing that their first duty was to their husband and children.  They never developed their own interests.  Then along came grandchildren, so they kept going in their old habits.

I don't know how to relate to them either.  They bore me to tears.  I mostly ignore them, but you can't do that if you're supervising them.  I hope someone can be more helpful than I am.  

Answer 6

My wife's  sister and mother are the same way. Everything is about the 2 nieces. the whole world revolves around these 2 kids ,who are 8 and 3. Personally, I think this leads to spoiled kids, and I have a full life in the adult world to live.  

Answer 7

You can't be mad though, you should be sympathetic.  From the time they have their first child and continue making them their lives take a back seat. They aren't the female they were before the pregnancy. Their mom, honey, or grams. Their lives are their children/grandchildren. After living for their children and doing whatever they had to, to make their childrens lives as happy and as painless as they possibly could, they're just expected to poof have a life of their own. Don't be so selfish/self-centered. Be considerate to them, empathetic and helpful in helping them rediscover who they are after the chicks leave the nest for lives of their own.