OPEN MIC #2
I have had different experiences each time I contact a parent. Some parents are very understanding and want to help. Others just want to tell you everything you do wrong. I have a student failing my class- this requires me to contact the parents. I called home and left a message on the machine. A few days later the parent calls me back and expresses her concern. She is going to talk to her daughter concerning her tardies, disrespect and late work. She is going to put an end to this behavior in three weeks. She tells me that she wants to help her daughter in anyway possible in three weeks. Me being the slow person I am, about the third time she says three weeks I catch on. I ask her why three weeks? She tells me that is when she gets out. Enough said. I hate contacting parents.
I have found most parents are very helpful but others want to make out like the teacher is not doing enough to help their child. Catch twenty-two.
ReplyDeleteHi, Aimee - sorry to hear about that parent but at least you have contacted as required so if the child does fail the parent knows why and cannot say they were not contacted, as that will override the failing grade.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is possible the parent will have a change of heart after thinking through what you have said. I'm sure you reminded her that three weeks may be too late to help salvage her child's grade, so she may actually respond differently than she said. But if not, you have done your due diligence.
I know it is time-consuming, but are you able to contact parents with good news?
Wow! What can I say. Some of the students lives are tragic at best. With support like this (Who Is At Home?), I wonder why they student has problems? I have students in foster homes that are much better off! I have some with Uncles, and one with his stepdad that has remarried. Makes the child feel wanted don't you think! And of course what are they paying us for! Thank goodness there is a support group for us, and remember we may be the only support our student may have. All our students have a purpose, we just have to look harder at some for the answer. Ken B.
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