How To Handle Difficult Parents by Suzanne Capek Tingley

Scary Statistics.. In 2 years, 10% of new teachers will quit. In 3 years, about 40% of new teachers will quit. By the end of year 5, about 50% of new teachers will leave the profession. Why?

… Some new teachers who leave do it for many reasons. Finding discipline overwhelming Lack of administrative support But the MAIN REASON for leaving the profession is this:

“teachers are unprepared to work with difficult parents.”

In 1970: Teacher: Tommy swore in class today. Mr. Smith: I’m sorry In 1970: Teacher: Tommy swore in class today. Mr. Smith: I’m sorry. We’ll take care of it at home. Teacher: He’s going to need to serve a detention. Mr. Smith: That’s fine with us.

By the early 1980’s, things began to change: Teacher: Mrs. Jones, I’m having a little trouble getting jack to do his work. Mrs. Jones: If you can’t make him do it, what do you expect me to do? Or Teacher: Mr. Fazio, Jennifer really needs to stay after school for extra help. Mr. Fazio: Well, she’s a lot like me—doesn’t like to be told what to do.

Different ‘types’ of parents: The Acorn May Not Fall Far From the Oak Pinocchio’s Mom Caped Crusader Ms. “Quit Picking On My Kid” The Intimidator The Stealth Zapper Mr. NBA The Advocate Helicopter Mom The Competitor Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Tips for Effective Parent Conferences When Nothing Works A Final Assessment