Dumb Parents

They're back! Dumb parents! Ack!

This morning I was approached by a parent who wished to conference with me "right after school" about his son's low grades. This was, of course, right as the bell rang and I was lining up my students before entering the classroom. I agreed to meet him "right after school".

Well, right after school this parent was nowhere to be found. I waited for twenty five minutes before giving up and leaving. In the meantime, I was stuck there with the student's grandmother, the student, and his little brother who was running roughshod all over my classroom. I finally told him that going into another teacher's classroom was like visiting another person's house, and that you don't make yourself at home there right away.

After twenty minutes of this delightful waiting, making small talk with Grandma, and watching the little brother run all over the place, I gave Grandma a quick rundown on what I percieve the student's problem to be, made some suggestions for things they could start doing at home to help him, and sent them on their way.

Parents everywhere, asking your child's teacher for a conference because you're concerned about their progress does not make you a good parent. Showing up for the conference on time, listening to the teacher's input, thanking the teacher for her time, then going home and having a serious discussion with your child about your expectations for their behavior and their grades makes you a good parent.

Enough said!