Top 5 Tips on Encountering Parents in a Public Setting

When I was a child, I can remember seeing my teachers out in public and being so excited to see them. I also remember my parents talking to the teachers as I was playing baseball or doing some other activity. I always wondered what they were talking about. Was it about me?

It wasn't until I became a teacher when I realized that sometimes these chance encounters sometimes lead to uncomfortable discussions. Over the last 16 years of teaching I have had many different experiences with parents in public and as a result have developed my “Top 5 Tips on Running into Parents in Public."

Top 5 Tips on Running into Parents in Public

Tip #1: Try to avoid talking about other children. 

Parents sometimes want to get "the dirt" on their child's classmates and will ask questions that will make a teacher feel a bit uncomfortable. I often revert back to their child and give them tips on what their child can do instead of someone else. You should never discuss another student without that parent being involved in the discussion. It is like talking behind someone's back.

Tip #2: Treat fellow teachers with the respect they deserve. 

If a parent asks about another teacher, ALWAYS stand up for your fellow educators. Even if you know that the educator may have some deficiencies, it is not your job to say if that person is effective or not in the classroom. That role belongs to the principal. Please avoid “baiting questions” that parents may try to use about other teachers. We need to support each other!

Tip #3: Praise the child no matter what! 

There have been times when I have encountered parents that are frustrated with their child. Whether it’s about not turning in homework or getting bad grades on tests- the parents are not happy. Always try to turn a situation into a positive one and offer tips on what the parents can do to help at home: establish a study/homework time each night, help review with your child, and check and sign the assignment notebook each day are some examples. The parents need to realize that yelling or being upset at their child is not going to help the situation.

Tip #4: Offer suggestions/advice for struggling students.

Many times parents will approach me and ask what they can do to help their child. This is opening a great door of communication with the parents. They are coming to you as an expert and trust your knowledge to best help their child. You know your craft, give them sound advice that will help their child succeed!

Tip #5: Do your best to not form outside school relationships with parents of the students you teach.  In today's world, it is tempting to "friend" a parent on Facebook, send a text message, or even use Apple Face Time, or Skype to communicate. These new technological advances are great, but it is important to maintain a professional relationship with parents. Communication should be solely on their child. Try to keep a professional relationship with your parents.

This is not a final list by any means. Some of you may even disagree with some of the statements above. But remember, you are a professional and need to reflect that when you “run into” parents in public.

If you have a tip that you would like to share about encountering parents in public, please comment!