It’s a problem as old as education itself: The Perennial Problem Parent. Each year, it seems, we need to use inventive teaching strategies to deal with an unreasonable parent.
But with a little forethought, you can overcome this issue. Today on TeachHUB.com, frequent contributing writer Janelle Cox, herself a veteran elementary educator based in Upstate New York, shines some original teaching strategies on handling problem parents with grace and respect.
Janelle’s ideas include:
- Don’t get caught off guard
- Back up all of your claims with facts
- Try and be sensitive
- And more!
Janelle sums up her article like this: “Managing disrespectful, difficult parents is probably not what you thought you signed up for when you went into teaching. However, it’s unfortunately part of the job. Instead of dwelling on how a parent may perceive you or what you could have done differently, acknowledge that you have done the best that you could and offer the parent a chance at a partnership so that their child can have a wonderful school year.”
Have you ever had to deal with a difficult or disrespectful parent before? If so, how did you handle it? Please share your stories with us. Your story may help out a fellow educator.
10 Things to Know Before Becoming a Teacher
Perhaps you’re drawn to the academic profession by summers off, or by the thought of a standard routine each year.
There’s a LOT more to academics than that. You need to be committed to helping your students learn above all, but you also have to contend with tricky entities like parents and more.
How Parents Can Prepare for Back to School Time
In our ongoing series about planning for going back to school, today we examine the ways in which all moms and dads can get ready for the inevitable – the first day of school.
It’s a stressful time for kids and parents alike, but with our guide on how to prepare, teachers and family members alike can get themselves ready for the yearly ritual. Going back to school can be rough, but with our tips, you’ll be a little more prepared for what’s coming.
