As a teacher how would you respond to a parent that gets rude towards you?

Answer 1

I would tell the parent that I am not rude to her children and that I expect at least the same type of treatment from her that I give to her children.

Answer 2

While I don't think that any circumstance justifies rudeness, I'm a bit surprised that no one has asked WHY the parents were rude.

The vast number of teachers are dedicated individuals, but as in all fields, there are exceptions.

People can easily get "out of hand" when there's a problem that relates to their children. If you're sending homework home where the instructions are totally ambiguous or missing altogether and then you send a nasty letter to the parents about not doing their parental duty because the kid's homework isn't done right .... well ...

If you never answer the parents inquiries about why their child is having a problem at school. If you send a letter that the parent has not sent pencils, markers, etc. as they were notified to and then the notification actually arrives 2 days later.

So don't accept rudeness under any circumstances. If you're one of the lousy teachers though, look to what you might have done to keep those parents from becoming so frustrated that they got rude.

And for the rude parents out there, teachers have a rough job. Imagine spending your workdays stuck in a room with 20, 30, or more kids! I sure don't want their job! So be a little understanding. We all make mistakes ... even the best of us.

Answer 3

I have had this happen a few times due to my age and my race. It depends on the situation for how I will react. In some cases, I have to tell the parent that "I'm sorry you feel that way and I think we should sit down with the Vice Principal to try to find a solution." This usually works because they feel I am being punished by having to go to the Principal's office or I am admitting that I am not competent (thus making them feel they have successfully demeaned me); however, If they continue or refuse, then normally I tell them that I do not feel comfortable continuing without my Vice Principal present and to please let them know when they would like to arrange a conference. There have been instances where I had to stand there and take every word of it while smiling and saying "thank you for sharing with me, and hopefully we can work this out with the Principal" and I have to walk away and immediately call my VP.

Realize that we work with people and it is highly likely that you will encounter at least two or three of parents who are unhappy with you throughout your career. It is best just to be polite and defuse the situation as soon as possible without risking your integrity.

Answer 4

If it is on phone, say, "Mr., Mrs. I think it would be better if we schedule a conference", if keeps yelling, hang-up, notify the couselor of the child about the call, and princial asap.

If during conference. (first never meet with parent alone, always have child's counselor or another teacher with you)
when rude, say, "Mr./Mrs. I do not think we are getting anywhere, lets set up another conference at a later date?". if parent agrees, great. if not, you thank the parent for coming, and ask the couselor to reschedule and walk away.

I have done that. I have had bully parents, who like to come to school and demand answers. There are a lot of nuts out there who like to think they own teachers.

Answer 5

I respond in a professional but blunt manner. I usually do it through notes rather than face to face (because they're usually being rude through notes themselves...cowards). However, I haven't experienced too many rude parents. I try to remember that they're acting out of ignorance. It helps to not take it personally.

Answer 6

Deal with them with all the discretion that you can muster and when you can't stand any more tell them you have another appointment and you must go. Don't argue with an idiot, nobody will ever be able to tell the difference. Do make sure that they have no viable perspective though, their rude behavior may have a valid point and they just don't know how to express it without abusive language.

Answer 7

dont let thempush your buttons. fullfill your position as a teacher in every way possible. if its because of some thing u did apologize to the parent and recoveryour relationship with the child and the parent. its not woth it togo wild on the parent if they start using obscenelanguauge. be the responsible adult there if they dont choose to. goodluck.

Answer 8

If a parent spoke rudely to me, I would ask them to speak respectfully. If they continued in a rude fashion, I would end the discussion and let them know I'm available to speak to them at any time but only when they were ready to speak to me calmly and respectfully.

Answer 9

have a talk with the parent, or just ignore the comments and rudeness, if it gets really bad try talking to the student about it or consult the principle

Answer 10

Look past the 'rudeness' and listen to them. Try to find out what is bothering them, and acknowledge their concern. Then ask them what can be done about it. Continue to listen and go from there.