During your teaching career, you are likely to encounter at least one parent who is upset with you regarding one thing or another. How you handle this encounter not only says volumes about your professionalism, but will set the stage for future encounters with the same parent. Here are some tips on how to handle the situation.
1. Let the parent say his/her piece.
A college professor of mine once said that if a parent comes loaded for bear, let him unload. When a parent calls or visits the classroom and begins yelling or complaining or otherwise wants to “unload”, wait and listen.
2. Do not become defensive.
While it is natural instinct to defend yourself when you are attacked, you need to remember that the issue is likely deeper than you the teacher. Remaining calm will help diffuse the parent’s anger and allow you to be able to get to the root of the issue and solve the problem.
3. Do not bend the rules, but be willing to bend the rules.
If the parent is upset because of a rule, you need to evaluate the rule. Some rules need to not be bent – behavior for example, and some can be bent for the sake of peace – allowing a student a second chance at a test or homework assignment for example.
Here are some more tips on how to handle angry parents in the classroom.
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