Case
Annoying Parents

How do you deal with a parent that comes two hours early everyday and wants to talk to you about their child and if it's not you it's administration and all of you have explained to that parent that school is not out yet so it is impossible to speak with them every single day but the parent is upset and feels like no one wants to collaborate with her on her child's day. Now the day of that child is in his planner and she has every opportunity to talk with the teacher or administration staff after school barring that there are no meetings we have to attend?

Solution #1
Top Solution
I would talk to your administration, and seek their advice on what do with this parent. Having a conference with the family of that student and inviting administration to the conference as well may be helpful in establishing clear boundaries.

I think a sit-down meeting administration would be the best course of action for the scenario.

I think that this might be the only solution, to talk with administration.

A conference would definitely be a nice, diplomatic solution that allows everyone to discuss their concerns.

Solution #2
I would try and set up a communication folder or something that goes home with the student every month. I know that you said there are things in the planner that the parent can see but it seems like you need to do something special for this particular parent. I know that that may be annoying, but if I think the parent just wants to feel like they are being heard and listened to.

I think this is the best plan of action for the parent and the teacher.

Solution #3
The pickAtime Parent Teacher Conference Scheduler is a unique scheduling product whereby parents can log in and view the schedule of available appointments for only the teachers with whom their child has a class.
Solution #4
I would first talk to administration about the parent and invite the parent to a parent-teacher conference after school or before school at an appropriate time. It is not ok for the parent to come before school two hours early every single day. Maybe when their child does something great in the classroom, phone home and let the parent know. The parent, for example, may have had a hard time in school and wants to make sure their student succeeds, but make sure you have boundaries as well.

I think this is the best plan of action.

Solution #5
It is always best to try to establish a positive relationship with the parents, even if they are annoying. As overbearing as this is, I think it is a good thing that the parent is choosing to have an active role in their child's education. They seem to feel like they aren't being heard in their child's education and just wants someone to collaborate with them. I would communicate with this parent that you are very busy and can't spend each morning discussing their child's education, because then each parent in the class would expect the same. Offer to schedule specific times with the parent to discuss their child and reiterate that you are doing your best to provide the best opportunities for their child.
Solution #6
You could send an email to the parents discussing the student's day--almost like an anecdotal note. Also, you can schedule one meeting a month with the parent(s) where you can talk about their concerns.
Solution #7
Quick solution for anyone reading these case studies in the present. If parents and/or guardians are doing this today in the era of COVID-19, remind them of school procedures and explain that you cannot do whatever it is your district does not allow. Some districts do not allow face-to-face contact at all, my district does not allow anyone not invited on campus (the only other guest I've seen while interning was another woman taking part in her practicum for guidance counselor). Outside of solutions dependent on today's setting, would it be possible to give the parents what they want? Don't stop class for them right that moment but write a generic letter for parents for protocol for how to schedule a meeting and hand it to them whenever they arrive. This makes it easier for everyone involved because you have an opportunity to speak with parents despite them coming at the worst time and they can still have a meeting when convenient for them.
Solution #8
Administration should back you up on this. After a plan is formed, a meeting should be held with you, the parent, and administration. The parent should not being coming in everyday, even for 5 minutes. Two hours every couple of days is absolutely inapporiate and needs to be handled. The best way of stating this to the parent might be talking about the student needing to take ownership of his own education and work on his independence.
Solution #9
Involve admin and explain to the parent that you are busy. Establish clear, appropriate boundaries with this parent soon.
Solution #10
I would suggest setting up a one-on-one meeting to address whatever concerns they have. If they have further concerns, I would suggest asking administration for a ten-minute moment to have a quick phone call to talk to them.
Solution #11
I have not had many experiences with dealing with parents yet in my career but I would try to make sure the parent knows that the time before and after school is so that the teacher can plan for the success of their students. Ask the teacher to make an appointment with you and/or the administration during certain times.
Solution #12
I would get together with administration and come up with a game plan for dealing with the parent. If there is a way the child can log what they do and you can provide some insight to the parent maybe once a week, I am sure you can work something out.
Solution #13
I would ask administration if they know the best way to proceed. Once they give the advice stick to it and dont bend
Solution #14
I would set up a communication plan with the parent so they do not feel that you are ignoring them.
Solution #15
It is understandable that parents want to be involved in their child's life, however, it can be annoying when they want to be over-involved. I think a good compromise would be to send the child home weekly with a note for the parents explaining everything that happened during the week, it might be beneficial to also have the child write their parents a note about the best and worst parts of their week so that it can be a conversation starter for the parents to talk with their child.
Solution #16
Set a conference with the parents and tag along the administrator as this can be a violation
Solution #17
Tell the parent they aren't allowed to come to the school anymore unless they have a scheduled appointment.