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  Case: The Over-involved Parent
The mother of one of the students in your third grade class left twenty-minute messages on his voice mail every day. Listening to them consumed your entire free period. She would also show up at your school unexpectedly. You would walk into your classroom and find her waiting to speak with you. What actions would you take in order to prevent this happening?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
I would first schedule a meeting with the parent and give her the time to state all of her concerns in person. Giving the parent a chance to be able to freely discuss her concern can help bring down the constant phone calls. Then I would begin to discuss a way or system for her to communicate with me without completely overloading mine and her time. I would kindly stress that although I am pleased to see that she is so involved with her child's education, time is being taken away from planning and helping my students. If her main concerns are being with her child and making sure that they were okay, I would ask her to consider being an aid to help with making materials and contributing to her child's education that way.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments:
Rated On: April 18, 2013 7:29 pm
Rated By: RumuVa
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments:
Rated On: April 24, 2013 3:10 am
Rated By: Elizabeth Powers
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree you need to sit the parent down and discuss what they think is wrong so that you can work with them and cut down on the phone messages and surprise visits.
Rated On: October 14, 2014 3:55 pm
Rated By: MaByvu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Setting up a meeting with them shows that you care as a teacher. I agree.
Rated On: October 14, 2014 11:14 pm
Rated By: ybaHyp
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: good ideas, thanks for sharing
Rated On: October 15, 2014 4:32 am
Rated By: ehaZeb
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with this post over the rest because their was a decision and the parents was involved to get an understanding of the situation in a calm matter. What about PTA or SAC meetings those are usually the ones that the parents get involved with the most.
Rated On: October 16, 2014 3:41 am
Rated By: PezaLe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I would suggest to the parent that email communucation is the most productive form of contact and that you respond within 48 hours. As to her showing up in your classroom, the front office should not be allowing her on campus during instructional time unless you have arranged for her as a volunteer; before and after school should be by appointment or at least a phone call to your room. Providing her with options to become involved sets parameters that can be easily followed yet show that you are open to parent involvement.
Rated On: October 16, 2014 12:17 pm
Rated By: Denise Lukacik
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great idea and I think it would be very effective. In approaching the situation in this way, you would show the parent how kind and caring you are, but it is also important to be honest with how much of your time they are taking up. I think suggesting being an aid is also a good idea, but you would just have to careful that they do not start showing up every day.
Rated On: October 18, 2014 8:12 pm
Rated By: esaSaV
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with your solutions to this scenario. It is important to allow parents to express their concerns while having some boundaries.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 4:17 pm
Rated By: uVejeg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This solution is wonderful in that it keeps the parent involved, but in a way that benefits her child and other students. It is also a professional, respectful and a direct response to the issue.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 7:04 pm
Rated By: VeHyge
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is the best solution to the situation.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 7:11 pm
Rated By: duGyJy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.
Rated On: October 19, 2014 11:35 pm
Rated By: apened
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like this solution and would add that perhaps she should take a week to compile a list of all of her concerns, so that way we can address them during that conference. I wouldn't say that time is taken away from planning/helping the students though. I would also make it clear that conferences should be scheduled because you might have your time committed elsewhere and be unable to meet with her if she shows up randomly.
Rated On: October 20, 2014 4:11 am
Rated By: WeGuQy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like this solution, especially the idea about setting up a meeting where the parent can express their concerns. I would also tell the parent about another outlet for which they can express their concerns outside of meetings maybe an email? I think that would be better than receiving constant voice messages. I also agree about asking her to be an aid, I think that is a great way to assure the parent that they're needed and doing something for their child.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 11:05 pm
Rated By: Charity Knowles
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This solution is perfect. It is very important that the parent be given the time to explain their thoughts and concerns. However, it can be very overwhelming for a teacher to have to constantly deal with a parent. You should confront the parent but also let them know you will do what you can to listen to their comments.
Rated On: February 26, 2015 11:46 pm
Rated By: Meredith Bentley
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a great solution!
Rated On: February 27, 2015 9:39 pm
Rated By: Shannon Stephens
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with this statement because reinforcing the fact that you are relating to the parent as you want to be helpful and assisting the student but you also need to make sure that they are understanding that it is important to make an appointment. I believe that it is also important to remind them how much time it is taking away from the daily teacher duties.
Rated On: March 1, 2015 3:43 am
Rated By: aHeXud
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution! Involving parents in a positive way is important!
Rated On: March 1, 2015 4:17 am
Rated By: apazeR
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This would be the most appropriate way to handle this situation.
Rated On: March 1, 2015 9:05 pm
Rated By: Natisha
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I agree with this solution.
Rated On: March 2, 2015 3:39 am
Rated By: vuDybe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great solution!
Rated On: October 15, 2015 3:58 am
Rated By: eZuGeQ
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great solution.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 5:10 pm
Rated By: uqeMeg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great idea to use.
Rated On: October 17, 2015 6:26 pm
Rated By: qutehu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Talking to the parent about the issue would be ideal.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 5:40 pm
Rated By: ymuXyg
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a great solution and I would definitely keep it in mind for further use in my classroom. An aid would be a great solution
Rated On: October 18, 2015 10:31 pm
Rated By: Hedese
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I am ever in the same situation as this teacher I would will definitely implement your strategies.
Rated On: October 19, 2015 1:37 am
Rated By: Dan G
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This solution would be a good way to handle the situation.
Rated On: October 19, 2015 4:00 pm
Rated By: XequMa
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great solution.
Rated On: March 6, 2016 8:30 pm
Rated By: uPuneq
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: this is the best solution i have seen for this.
Rated On: March 2, 2017 11:44 pm
Rated By: Travis Cannon
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I loved that your recommended ways for the parent to be involved while also drawing the boundaries around your planning and personal time.
Rated On: March 5, 2017 1:09 am
Rated By: atugym
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great way to address the parents need for involvement without embarrassing them or making them feel that you do not value their involvement.
Rated On: February 20, 2018 4:12 pm
Rated By: medega
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like the idea of respecting the parent enough to give them the time to express themselves; then also giving them a chance to step up and volunteer in the class. This is the most respectful solution in regards to how to handle the parent, while also treating them with respect for caring about their child.
Rated On: February 21, 2018 1:16 am
Rated By: Simone Haddad
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a great solution to the problem at hand. It shows the parent that you appreciative of them being so involved in their student's life, but it shares with them that they are taking up a lot of your time. Offering to let them be an aid in the classroom is a wonderful compromise.
Rated On: February 24, 2018 8:14 pm
Rated By: Kady Schlemmer
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Love these ideas
Rated On: February 24, 2018 11:51 pm
Rated By: upyWyH
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like the ideas of everything, but the making materials could lead into more interactions and wanting to discuss her child. This could take more of your time with this parent instead of less.
Rated On: February 26, 2018 12:56 am
Rated By: yqyjeQ
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Very well stated. One of the best solutions on the page!
Rated On: July 5, 2018 9:03 pm
Rated By: zeXyBy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I love this solution
Rated On: October 3, 2018 10:57 pm
Rated By: eqeJaQ
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great solution. You are conveying your concerns in a positive way while commending the parent for being involved in her students education and giving her another option to do so.
Rated On: October 14, 2018 2:40 pm
Rated By: byXyha
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is great because it praises the parents involvement and gives her an opportunity to become even more involved.
Rated On: October 14, 2018 6:26 pm
Rated By: aVugaG
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I found your solution to be well thought out and very helpful!
Rated On: October 15, 2018 12:47 am
Rated By: zetyWy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This a great solution in this case. Keep that open communication with parents!
Rated On: February 22, 2019 4:10 pm
Rated By: buQyme
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Perfect recommendation. I would also have a witness in the room to be on the safe side.
Rated On: July 2, 2019 8:05 pm
Rated By: quqyVe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Although rules on parents being at the school are growing more strict, this is a great idea.
Rated On: October 17, 2019 3:42 pm
Rated By: JyLaVe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.
Rated On: October 18, 2019 9:18 pm
Rated By: Lauren Toner
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Great idea to offer the parents involvement as an aid.
Rated On: October 20, 2019 5:16 pm
Rated By: LeDyqa
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: This is a great approach!
Rated On: October 21, 2019 1:27 am
Rated By: JeTeQu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I like this solution a lot, but the last thing I would do is to ask her to consider being an aid. With a parent like that, I can see her being a consistent problem to her child's teachers in the future.
Rated On: February 19, 2020 5:56 pm
Rated By: JeRaGu
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I think this is a great idea! It's respectful to the parent and gives them options rather than telling the parent to be less involved.
Rated On: February 23, 2020 9:56 pm
Rated By: Torii Podmokly