Case
Letting Go

Teaching four year old children can be difficult, because some of the students' parents are not ready to let their children be independent. For example, I have a parent that does not let her child go on field trips unless she can go. By doing this, the child is missing out on a lot of great experiences. How can I convince this parent to let her child attend field trips?

Posted on: 03/12/15 | Views: 1017
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think you can help the situation by communication. Let the parent know how their child is every couple of days. Share cute stories and successes. If you text parents send them pictures every now and then. Also, reassure her that you will update her throughout the field trip. I set up a group text for parents and let them know when we arrive, eat lunch and leave. It only takes me a second and gives them peace of mind. When she realizes that you care for her children as you would your own child, she may become more trusting.

Yes I agree with this approach.

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Solution #2
This parent clearly does not feel at ease with her child going on field trips. Have you had a conversation to find out why? If so, you may be able to easily address her concerns. Does her student have a friend in the class that she has built a relationship with the parents and can they take turns chaperoning the field trips?

Great solution! Building relationships with parents is a big big deal! They trust you with their child

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Solution #3
I don't think this is something that you will be able to change. I had a parent in seventh grade that still walked her daughter to her locker every single morning and picked her up from school by her locker. It was exhausting just to see this parent every day! As a parent, I don't think it is a teacher's right to tell a parent when to let go. You can mention how sad you are that the student will be missing the trip because of x, y, and z reasons. Other than that, it is ultimately the parents decision.

Unfortunately I think you are right. We cannot force a parent to let their children go on a fieldtrip. Sometimes parents have a difficult time letting go and don't see that their child needs to become more independent. If it was inside the school building then the principal could ask the parent to leave so that instruction could begin.

This is an great solution! i will definitely use this in my classroom.

I think you are right on that. Letting go of a child is tough, specially at that age. You make great points.

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Solution #4
Just let the parent know how important these trips are to the child and their learning experience. once you stress the importance of them on an educational and social level the parent should come around.
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Solution #5
That is awful. First, parents do not understand how lucky their child are that they are able to go on field trips. Second, you need to talk to the parent one on one. Tell them how many people will be going, and that the student will be well taken care of. If the parent does decide to let the student go, take pictures of the child having a good time on the trip and show them to the parent to reassure them for the next field trip.
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Solution #6
Oh that is a hard one. maybe by explaining to the parent that other parents need the chance to go as well and reassure her on how safe her child will be.
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