Successfully Dealing with Difficult Parents First be fair

Successfully Dealing with Difficult Parents

First, be fair • Most parents are not difficult. • Be patient. • Be understanding. • Give parents a second chance.

Then, understand: • Some disabilities: – are genetic – arise from environmental factors • Parents who seem difficult may be facing the same challenges as their children. • Parents can get advocacy fatigue. After Dealing with their child’s needs in one more setting can be overwhelming.

Remember • Your job is to teach, not counsel the family But, • Creating more hostility will not help you in the classroom

Reflective Listening • Listen while others are talking • Listen well – Identify feelings/motivations – Check your identification – Don’t be a therapist

Maintain Objectivity • Avoid emotionality • Avoid personalizing • You are at work

Be Proactive • Taking the time to build a positive relationship with a parent will pay dividends when you need to share some bad news.

Create Boundaries • You don’t have to talk right now. • Be clear when is a good time. • Limit conversations.

Remain Disengaged • The emotion isn’t about you. • Keep responses short. • Avoid emotionally freighted words. • Reschedule for calm.

Don’t put up with abuse • • Save and forward abusive emails and notes. Keep a daily log. Work with a colleague. Notify administrators immediately