The only thing I could possibly suggest (and I'm not a child care worker) is to be open, genuine, and honest to the parents and kids (which I'm sure you are anyway). Give parents time to get to know you and gain their trust. I understand how difficult it must be for you; it is similar in nursing - male nurses (especially in peads) often get that "look" and doubt thrust upon them. Not fair. To be honest, I would LOVE my DD's childcare centre to have a male worker so that she can have a balance of influences and not just those from the (very lovely) female workers.