10 Things Teachers Don't Want To Hear From Parents

Teaching is a profession that often extends beyond the realms of academics, encompassing emotional and behavioral development of students. While teachers strive to build strong partnerships with parents, there are certain phrases and remarks from parents that can create misunderstandings, hinder the collaborative effort, and sometimes affect the morale of the educators. Here are ten things teachers don't want to hear from parents, along with a brief narrative on why these comments can be challenging:

“Why haven’t you fixed my child’s issue yet?”
Education is a collaborative effort, and it's essential for parents to understand that some issues, especially behavioral or learning difficulties, require time, concerted effort from both home and school, and sometimes professional intervention.

“My child never lies.”
This statement can be problematic as it undermines the teacher’s authority and credibility. While it’s natural for parents to want to believe the best in their children, a balanced perspective is crucial for resolving conflicts or issues effectively.

“You’re just a teacher.”
This remark is not only disrespectful but also diminishes the crucial role teachers play in shaping young minds. Educators are mentors, guides, and often role models for their students.

“We don’t do homework in our house.”
Homework is an extension of classroom learning and helps reinforce concepts. A blanket refusal to encourage children to complete their homework hampers their academic progress and sets a precedent for avoiding responsibilities.

“I pay your salary, so you work for me.”
This statement disregards the fact that teachers work for the educational welfare of all their students, not just one. Education is not a customer service industry; it's a collaborative community effort.

“Can’t you just give them a better grade?”
This undermines the importance of earning grades through hard work and learning. It also puts unfair pressure on the teacher to compromise their integrity and educational standards.

“He/she is just like that at home, too. Good luck!”
Passing off behavioral issues as unchangeable or solely the teacher’s problem dismisses the role of parents in behavior management and modification.

“Why didn’t you inform us earlier about the issue?”
While communication is key, this statement can be frustrating if parents are not proactive in checking in with the teachers or responding to communication from the school.

“That’s not how we learned it in my day.”
Educational methodologies evolve. This statement can undermine modern teaching methods and the professional judgment of educators.

“My child is bored in your class.”
While this might be a valid concern, the way it's presented can be demeaning. It’s more constructive to discuss specific areas where the child feels unchallenged and work on solutions together.