Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Go Back                 Case Posted on October 18, 2015 7:56 pm Add to Favorites QuvuLy Reps: 78 Teacher-Parent Relationship I am a fairly young teacher, and I teach in the same high school I graduated from. Therefore, I know a lot of the parents of the students I teach and coach. I had a relationship with the parents prior to teaching their kids. Therefore, there have times where that parent comes up to me and asks me about a student other than their own because their child is about to start dating them or hanging out with them. Unfortunately, I have to tell these parents that I cannot discuss with them another student that is not their own. How can I express this to the parents without straining the relationship that I have had with them for many years prior?                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.                 Solution 1 Posted October 19, 2015 12:30 am uGaLaz Reps: 77 I moved out of the town I grew up in because of issues like this. It is very hard to have a professional relationship with people that you grew up with, because they knew you before you were a professional. I would simply tell them that you cannot discuss other peoples' children because of legal and confidentiality issues. They should understand. Make it clear that you value the relationship with them, but that you cannot risk your job or the privacy of the other students. Votes: +33 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Kady Schlemmer Reps: 202 Even though you feel uneasy about the measures you have taken to stop this behavior so far, it seems to me that you have done the right thing. This solution, sharing that you do not wish to harm the current status of your friendship, but also that you cannot disclose that kind of information, is really the best. Is those asking are really your friends (no matter how casual the friendship is) they will understand and appreciate your professionalism.   Posted on: July 9, 2016 4:12 pm yqeRas Reps: 200 I agree. If they don't understand and keep trying to overstep your boundaries, the relationship is probably not a great one anyways.   Posted on: March 4, 2021 11:35 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 2 Posted February 24, 2016 1:14 am Chelsea Reps: 103 If I was in your shoes, I would explain to the parents that I have to separate your professional life and my personal life. I would assure them that it was nothing against them, and I would say the same to other parents to protect their child as well. Votes: +11 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 3 Posted October 18, 2015 9:36 pm yParuR Reps: 77 You can simply respond with a very vague answer. You can also let them know that you can't disclose that information but should anything arise that might be a danger to either child you will notify them. Votes: +11 / -6 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 4 Posted October 12, 2017 3:08 am aRaLeg Reps: 200 Remind the parents about confidentiality as a teacher. The parents should understand and this should not strain any relationship Votes: +2 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 5 Posted July 9, 2016 7:33 pm PuWupe Reps: 206 I think this is a difficult situation where as teachers it is forbidden to talk about other students; however, I understand how parents can be concerned about their child/adolescent hanging out with a new friend. I think I would suggest that they meet that student's parents so they can decide if they want their child to be involved in a friendship with the other student or not. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 6 Posted March 7, 2016 12:26 am Hunabu Reps: 100 Just explain to the parents that you are no longer a student there and you cannot discuss information about other students. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 7 Posted October 18, 2015 8:20 pm Dan G Reps: 190 the best thing to say when they ask questions about another student is "I don't know much about him/her". Votes: +0 / -14 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution ezyHes Reps: 101 If you have a relationship with the parents prior to teaching, then chances are that you may know the student, therefore, this can send a message that you are not being honest about not knowing much about a particular student when in reality you do.   Posted on: March 4, 2016 2:29 am Add a Comment                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.