ABSTRACT
So, whether thinking back to my days as a teacher or to those I spent as a principal, I always remained mindful of the fact that my interactions with difficult parents were designed to get us both on the proverbial same page. Perhaps more significantly, I really wanted to get us there in an agreeable manner with the hope that it would lessen any future difficulties. It was perfectly okay for the parents to be right. In fact, I was quick to point out how much I appreciated the parents’ ability to uncover the facts about issues and to present them to me in a way that would expedite the correction of any wrongdoing. The key in all of these situations was to appreciate the parents for bringing issues to my attention and to quickly inform them that the wrong that was committed was not done so intentionally. Then, in all cases, I made sure that I affirmed the parents for presenting the issue in a rational, understanding manner, even if that was not at all the manner in which they actually presented it. Consider this example as an illustration:
THE INCORRECT GRADE All teachers, whether they use electronic grading systems
or hand calculations, run the risk of making the occasional grading error. While these errors are often insignificant, and while we all have no problem acknowledging and then correcting them, they can send the already difficult parents into a fit. No sooner does the student bring the paper that has been incorrectly scored home, then the parents arrive at the classroom demanding that justice be served. As discussed in the previous chapter, it is important that the angry parents not see you sweat. Employing the techniques from Chapter 7, you should welcome the parents into the room; acknowledge their feelings with a comment like, “Gee, Mrs. Jones, you seem so upset. Please come in so I can help you with your problem,” and then let them explain the error. At this point, you have shown the parents that you are not defensive, you have left open the door that maybe they are correct, and you have sub-
tly pointed out that the parents’ behavior is not at present as rational as yours.
