Case
Overbearing/Blaming Parent

I have a parent that did nothing to prepare her child for kindergarten. He could not write, spell his name, recognize letters or numbers, and he couldn't count. He has made remarkable gains and I am proud of him. However, every time I post a grade about something, his mother complains. She feels that he should be reading on a second grade level because the other students in my classroom are reading on that level. I have tried to explain to her that he did not come in with a foundation like the other kids did. She spends her day harassing me and writing my principal. She will find anything to complain about. I even had a meeting with her and my data coach to go over his data with him. What can I do to keep her from harassing me? Please help! I am a new teacher and she is one of the most overbearing people I've met!

Posted on: 03/16/15 | Views: 1043
Solution #1
Top Solution
One thing I would do is only respond to her emails once a day (if you're doing it more than that). I would also make sure to copy your principal on all of the communication so that the parent knows that the principal is aware of everything that is being discussed. Lastly, I would ask the principal to have a meeting with the two of you to discuss the expectations of both you and the parent. I know how frustrating this can be and it's hard when you must remain a professional while some parents think they can treat you however they want. Stay strong!

I think this would be a great solution to the issue.

I agree and think this is the most reasonable especially incorporating the principal in the communication.

I agree with this solution

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Solution #2
I would ask to meet with her one on one, show her the wonderful work that her son has accomplished. Give her other suggestions of ways he can advance further by doing tutoring through games with her or even after school programs at the school if your school has them or in your local community like the YMCA or churches. Stress to her that kids learn at different paces and that she can even do summer school for him or online classes for him if she feels it is necessary. Stay positive and do not let her bring you down or let her bring down the success that her son is having.

I think this would be a great solution to the issue.

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Solution #3
I think you should have a conference with the principle and the parent regarding all of this. With all of you in one room you can discuss everything that needs to be fixed.
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Solution #4
Give her tips and work to work with him at home with to catch him up. If she needs proof that her son is not on the second grade level, have a conference and ask the student to read a second grade book to show the mother that he is not ready. If the student has help at home, it is never to late to help him catch up to his classmates. Make sure there is an administrator in the conference.

I agree giving the mother the tools to help her son reach grade level will make her part of the solution and not a problem.

I think that giving the mother some resources will help in the solution to this situation, however, I would be careful, because you never know how the parent could react to what you are telling them about their child.

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