Case
Divorced and double

One of my students has parents that are divorced. Each parent wants two sets of every paper I send home. This includes homework. I can tell that each parent wants to be the main parent and have the student do all of the homework with them. I can tell that the student does not like this because she is now having to do double the homework. Do I say something to the parents or just stay out.

Posted on: 04/23/13 | Views: 1437
Solution #1
Top Solution
This could be very difficult and needs to be handled carefully. I would talk to the guidance counselor first to maybe talk to the student about how they are feeling about the whole situation. I would then ask the parents for a conference to talk about the homework. I would let them know I do not mind sending both of them doubles of important papers but there is no need for the student to be doing the homework twice. Also I would let them know that their daughter is having some problems with the situation. You do not want the student to start to suffer in the classroom over something at home.

I agree with this solution. Having a parent conference and dealing with the issue head on is the best way to lessen the problem. The parent's have the opportunity hear your point of view, their child's point of view, and each other's point of view.

I agree with this solution. It is important that the parents come to understand that you providing double information is not a problem, but that the student completing double homework is causing problems.

Excellent suggestion!

That is what guidance counselors are there for. There are just certain situations that may need to involve them.

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Solution #2
As a teacher with an average of 20 students, you can suggest talking with the student one on one or even getting the guidance counselor involved so that she can decide how to proceed with this matter. You don't want to take on extra responsibility, and this personal issue might have more to it than you just observing the student's frustration in class about the homework. Get the specialist involved so that a appropriate conference may take place.

That is always a difficult and challenging situation to be in. However, I would do my best to accommodate both parents without interfering to much. I would consider talking to a counselor if need be.

Excellent suggestion!

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Solution #3
Definitely say something. Whomever he goes home with that night, is who he needs to do the homework with. Test and other assessments that are completed IN CLASS can be made as doubles for both parents to see, but a child should not have to do double the work.
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Solution #4
I would definitely have a conference with your administration about this, and maybe even the school counselor. Maybe as a team, you can sit the parents down and talk to them about how they are not doing what is best for their child, and are really hurting them in the long run. That is a very tricky situation, and everyone should choose their words very carefully, but make sure everyone talks about "what is best for the child."
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Solution #5
I would suggest a communication app in which you can take one picture of the paper and send it to both parents. This seems to be an issue seen often and I believe both parents are entitled to the information. Does a physical paper need to go home to both, but a quick picture and message sent will alleviate any complaints in the end.
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Solution #6
I would tell the student to only do one sheet. If the parents keep making her do both, then there isn't anything that you could do.I would make the parents happy and then talk to guidance or something. I definitely would help her out.

I agree! I would ask the student to carry the one homework assignment wherever he/she will be completing the homework. I would certainly send duplicates of school news and notices, etc.., but it is not really reasonable to expect two copies of homework because the student live in two homes.

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Solution #7
I would tell the student to only do one sheet. If the parents keep making her do both, then there isn't anything that you could do.I would make the parents happy and then talk to guidance or something. I definitely would help her out.

This idea would be very logical. I would do the same.

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Solution #8
I would send two of everything so the parents have what they need to determine what is due and when, but I would inform the parents that I only need one copy of the assignments back to show the student did the work. I would say this very nicely and a sort of "oh, by the way" manner. This lets the parents know that the student is completing two sets of homework and that I know they are playing a very dangerous game with their daughter which may alert them to their behavior and make them stop. Again, everything I say to them would be very polite and seem like an afterthought.

Excellent suggestion!

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Solution #9
I would say the primary custodian would be the one who would get all of the information. It is the parent's responsibility to communicate with each other to provide what is best for the child.

The teacher is not responsible for deciding who the student's primary caretaker is.

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