Struggling with the parents

I struggle with social anxiety, and talking to parents makes me really uncomfortable and anxious. When I have to have a conversation with strangers, I tend to mix up my words, stutter, or talk very slowly because my mind goes completely blank. It’s frustrating because I know I’m capable of being more articulate with people I feel comfortable and safe around.

It’s really hard not to feel disappointed in myself when I see my coworkers chatting with parents so easily, making everyone feel at ease. Meanwhile, I tend to only answer questions in one sentence, and I don’t keep the conversation going. I worry that the parents might think I’m rude or uninterested in my job, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I care so much about the kids and my work, but the added pressure of knowing these parents are trusting me with their children, and that my job performance matters to them—makes them feel even more intimidating.

How can I calm down in these situations and keep my brain from freezing up?

Any advice for becoming more comfortable and confident when chatting with parents?