Difficult parent & student

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Difficult parent & student
By Debbie

With difficult parents and students, I have found it most helpful to, as soon as possible, let my supervisor know about them, so that I know I have backup if needed.
I never find it easy to face a difficult parent, and
I usually come away feeling quite drained and inadequate. However, I do my best to listen to their concern without speaking at all, until they are quite finished. If I can't think what to say, I try to put them off by agreeing that this situation needs more time and it would be appreciated if they could come back at some agreed time to discuss it further, so I can give myself some objective

'think time'.
With difficult students, I guess it depends to some extent on their age.... I teach Kindergarten, so I do my best to be objective with them and not let their difficult behaviours get to me, or at least not let them see that they're getting to me....and I speak to them as coolly and objectively as possible. Again, I talk to a colleague or supervisor, to at least make it known that this difficult child exists, and that I can call on backup if needs be......even a few minutes time out can be a help.
I hope this was a little helpful....its definitely not an easy task.
Debbie