In a previous article, I discussed the incident where a student called the school director’s home and his wife returned the call. I then discussed how frustrating it can be to have work related calls at home.
While most teachers and public officials should expect to receive a few calls at home (especially if their number is listed in the telephone book), too many calls can be overwhelming and stressful.
My article also began giving parents some tips on how to more positively call teachers or school faculty members.
My first tip was to check and make sure that the call is necessary. If the question can wait or is not related to that night or the next morning, then wait and call the teacher at school.
I will continue to offer more advice in this article.
Get the facts from your child.
Many children will inform their parents of a happening at school. The parent then angrily jumps on the phone and begins accusing a teacher of wrong doing. The parent then discovers that he/she did not get all of the facts and the child did not reveal the entire story. Before calling and making accusations, question your child thoroughly about the incident.
Begin positive.
If you are angry, you will receive much better results if you wait and make the call after you have had time to settle down. Go into the conversation with a positive and friendly attitude. Begin by simply asking for the teacher’s side of what happened. Be acceptable to the fact that perhaps your child was wrong.
Ask for a meeting.
If the situation seems to be involved and complicated, do not try to solve it on the phone. Ask for a meeting with the involved persons. Much more can be resolved when everyone works together.