Alright, let’s get real: managing a mobile home park isn’t exactly the most serene of gigs. Between the lawn complaints, the driveway disputes, and tenants with a knack for “creative” yard decor, it’s a job that can stir up all kinds of emotions. But what if some of those management quirks are really just old habits from childhood? What if, say, you never felt truly heard as a kid, and now it’s showing up in how you handle your park?
For those of us who grew up feeling a little ignored, a little dismissed, it turns out some pretty specific behaviors tend to surface later in life. Let’s break down these seven telltale signs and how each one might just be creeping into your life as a mobile home park owner—and how to flip them to your advantage.
1. You Over-Communicate (aka, “Tenants Have a Three-Page Welcome Packet”)
If you’re someone who never felt heard as a kid, you might find yourself communicating a lot now. Instead of sending a simple “Welcome to the park!” note, maybe you’re dropping a small novel outlining every rule, guideline, and potential fine for infractions. You’re not doing this to annoy anyone—it’s just your way of making sure everyone gets the message loud and clear.
But here’s the thing: sometimes less is more. If you find yourself writing the next “War and Peace” to explain the recycling policy, it might be a sign to rein it in. Tenants appreciate clarity but can tune out if they’re drowning in details. Give them the essentials and save the novels for the next time someone needs a little extra “persuasion.”
2. You Seek Validation (aka, “Did Everyone Get That Last Email?”)
Seeking validation is common for people who grew up feeling overlooked. So now, maybe you’re always checking in to see if tenants received your messages, understood your notices, or “got the memo.” It’s totally understandable to want confirmation, but overdoing it can make you seem a bit… eager.
Instead, try to trust that once you’ve made something clear, people get it. A little space for tenants to respond (or not) goes a long way. Over time, you’ll find that they’re likely reading and understanding what you’re saying—no second or third follow-up required.
3. You Struggle with Self-Expression (or, “I Have No Idea How to Tell Them to Move the Boat”)
For someone who felt unheard as a kid, expressing yourself as an adult can feel like trying to navigate a maze. Maybe there’s an issue in the park—someone’s decided their boat belongs in their front yard—but you’re struggling with exactly how to bring it up without sounding like the “bad guy.” So instead of addressing it, you let it linger and stew.
Here’s a tip: just go for it. Clear communication doesn’t have to be harsh. By addressing things directly and politely, you set the tone for how you expect things to go. Practice makes perfect here, so start with small reminders and work your way up to bigger ones. Trust that your voice is worth hearing and that you’re allowed to be clear about your expectations.
4. You’re Sensitive to Rejection (aka, “Was that Eye Roll About the New Trash Policy?”)
If you’ve got a bit of history with feeling unheard, you might be extra sensitive to rejection. Maybe a tenant gives you a slight eye roll when you announce a new trash policy, and suddenly you’re questioning your entire life choice of being a landlord. This sensitivity is common, but in the long run, it’s exhausting.
The key here is to remember that everyone has their own thoughts, and not every reaction is a deep judgment on you. Tenants will have opinions—some vocal, some silent. But don’t take every sigh, shrug, or eye roll to heart. Instead, focus on the fact that you’re doing what’s best for the park. Their reactions? That’s on them.
5. You’re a Great Listener (or, “Tell Me More About Your Neighbor’s Midnight Lawn Mowing”)
Here’s the upside to a childhood where you felt ignored: you’re probably an excellent listener. You know how it feels not to be heard, so you’ve developed this knack for making tenants feel valued. When someone calls about their neighbor’s midnight lawn mowing, you listen, you empathize, you’re the hero of their day.
But while listening is a superpower, it can also be draining. Set some limits on how long you’re willing to listen, and be mindful about redirecting conversations when needed. Great listening doesn’t mean you need to solve everyone’s problems on the spot—just that you’re there, you care, and you’ll address what’s essential.
6. You Avoid Conflict (aka, “Let’s Pretend We Didn’t See That Rusted Car in the Driveway”)
Conflict avoidance can be a huge roadblock in park management. If you’re someone who grew up feeling unheard, confrontation might feel uncomfortable, so you might let things slide rather than risk a face-off with a tenant about their “yard art.” While ignoring conflict might work short-term, it can lead to bigger headaches down the road.
Start small. Approach minor issues—maybe it’s a gentle reminder about community standards. By addressing things calmly and clearly when they’re still small, you’re likely to avoid the larger confrontations that develop when issues are left to simmer. And remember, conflict isn’t always negative. Sometimes, it’s just the best path to keeping the peace.
7. You Struggle with Self-Confidence (or, “Why Am I Even Doing This Again?”)
Running a mobile home park can test even the most confident person, so if you’ve got self-doubt creeping in, you’re not alone. Growing up feeling ignored or undervalued can make you question yourself, especially when it comes to big decisions about the park’s future.
When self-doubt strikes, remind yourself of your wins. You’re keeping a community running, solving daily problems, and managing an entire property—a job that not everyone could do. And if a big decision feels particularly overwhelming, get advice from someone you trust. Self-confidence takes time, but acknowledging your own hard work can help build it, one step at a time.
Final Thoughts: Managing Your Park and Owning Your Story
If you’re noticing these behaviors in yourself, know that they’re just part of who you are—and they’re totally manageable. Running a mobile home park is a balancing act between being assertive and being understanding, between setting boundaries and being open. And if your past means you lean a little toward the over-communicative or validation-seeking side, you’re not alone.
By recognizing these habits and making small adjustments, you’ll find that managing your park feels a little less intense, and you’ll be a lot less tempted to throw your phone out the window every time a new complaint rolls in. Because if you can manage a mobile home park, quirks and all, there’s not much else life can throw at you that you can’t handle.
