pjm gave great advice

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pjm gave great advice
By Cathy-Dee

I don't think I can add much to the advice already given.

Talking to this parent may be difficult (I know I prefer avoiding these types of parents myself), but if you talk with her right away you might be able to prevent
or at least postpone problems down the road.
You might want to approach her this way since she did stop by your room at other times.
You know I really appreciate the fact that you enjoy the kids and that you are involved with your son's edcuation. But in the past when you used to come in my room to visit with the kids it wasn't always at the best of times for myself. I know you

always meant well and it's more my personality here, but I find it hard to have disruptions in the middle of a lesson. However I know you'll want to visit from time to time as I have your son in my class this year, so I've prepared a weekly schedule and highlighted the times where a visit wouldn't be disruptive. And I hope you don't mind if you do stop by and I have some things that could be worked on or copied if I get your help as well from time to time.

Rehearse what you want to say, and by somehow making it more your "problem" rather than her visits are the problem she is less likely to be offended. Sometimes you just have to work around parents like this one.

As far as her son goes - perhaps he will be better this year and if his mom has limited visits then that may help as well. Record his behaviour and be sure to mention his good days to mom as often as possible so that when those bad days do happen she will be more willing to discuss things with you because you are not always "negative" about her son.

As far as times for her to come in - make them times you are comfortable with - during art class for example. And I wouldn't make time for her to visit every day. On those days tell her that the class will be so busy, but she's welcome to come and visit with her son at recess or lunchtimes on those days.

If necessary keep your classroom door locked and closed for the first month so that all visitors have to knock first. If she knocks at an inappropriate time simply tell her sorry now is not a good time for a visit - I think the schedule I gave you shows that period 7 this afternoon would be fine so I hope you can come back then.

If she complains at this time to your administrator she will have nothing to stand on because you have been pleasant, have given her opportunities to visit during appropriate times and have talked to her about this as he wanted you to do.

I hope things work out fine with this parent - it's terrible that one person can disrupt our lives so much as teachers.