Case
Teacher, you bobbed my kid!!

As a teacher I would line up the students ( 5,6 year olds) up when transitioning to another place and "bob" them on the head.. (nicely) and sing a little bob song. The students thought it was funny and we enjoyed it daily. One morning a parent walks in and begins screaming and cursing at me. She said " My baby said you 'bobbed' her". After a meeting everything was cleared up, but I sure don't "bob" anymore. Honestly, I'm nervous to even touch the children, they are young and some children do need to have a lovely, appropriate touch but is it worth the risk?

Posted on: 02/26/17 | Views: 1284
Solution #1
Top Solution
How this could possibly be avioded is, sending a letter home to the parents to let them know what the "bob" process is. If a student comes home and says something about it, than the parents are aware of what it is. Another solution would be to touch the shoulder. It could be a "bob" on the shoulder instead of the head.

I agree with this. Informing the parents before hand usually keeps things cleared up and if they have an issue they can contact you.

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Solution #2
Top Solution
I would send a note home to each of the parents letting them know about your song. You can also bob the air above their head or high five them.

I like this solution. I think a high five would be better than "bobbing" the child on the head. I probably would be upset if i seen someone touch my childs head even in a song.

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Solution #3
Instead of touching their head, you could have cool handshakes with students or high five them as they stand in line. You could also line them up and have them say a rhyme or code word when they are in their place in line.
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Solution #4
Nowadays, we as teachers need to be careful with any touching. I would agree with the other solutions about sending a letter to the parents but maybe changing the type of "bob" or change to a verbal song that all the students can sing while standing in line.
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Solution #5
I think as long as you cleared it up with the parent everything should be okay. I might address it with the next years parents and inform them of the game you play so they know in advance.
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Solution #6
At the beginning of the year at open house i would demonstrate to the parents my way of transitioning during the way to get the students motivated for the next task or activity (i.e. show them the bop). I would ecplain that i am not bopping them hard or in anyway to harm them it its only a transitioning activity. If i did not recieve any complaints then i would again mention the "bopping" in the first weeks news letter and go from there.
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Solution #7
Your intentions are obviously pure. Definitely send a letter home to the parents explaining what it is and maybe give a choice of whether or not the students can be "bobbed" or not to avoid possible future trouble.
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Solution #8
With situations where you want to do something like this is it imporant to explain to the students exactly what you are doing and why. Also, being culturally responisive is important because in some cultures tough a childs head is against beliefs. Always keep an open line of communication with parents too!
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Solution #9
I would send a letter home to each parent explaining what a bob is. If the parents are uncomfortable, I would substitute for a high 5, or a handshake when each kid transitions.
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Solution #10
if you would like to continue this fun little game with the kids i would send home a letter that says if the parents have a problem with it than you will stop doing it immediately.
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Solution #11
It is within your legal right to be able give up to a hug. I agree with the first comment, perhaps a letter will prove suffice. Also, include a signature portion too.
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Solution #12
I agree with everyone else's solutions! I think the best and safest solution would be to write a letter home or announcement to the parents explaining why you do that! Obviously, then, if any of the parents are uncomfortable with that, then you will know and will avoid any future conflict!
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Solution #13
During the open house or meet the teacher night, I would have gone over this with the parents as a daily procedure you do with the students. I would explain why you do this, and then demonstrate the procedure. Then, I would have this printed out and explained attatched the the newsletter for the parents to remember, and for parents who were unable to attend to receive. If a parent has a concern, they can reach out to you from there.
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Solution #14
When students try to hug me I turn a bit, so it isn't an appropriate hug, touching your students in appropriate ways is fine, just make sure it is simple.
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