We all know that parent. The mom who cannot accept that her child is disrespectful and instead insists he is "right." The dad who tells his kid that school doesn't matter. Yikes. Teachers do not love these parents that are undermining the classroom and therefore their own child's education. But there are also more minor offenses a parent can commit that can add up.
Of course, many parents who wind up on "the list" don't even realize it, which is part of the problem. If you want to guarantee that you're not that parent that all the teachers dread having in their classroom, read on. Here's how to be a parent teachers love.
Be Informed
Read every communication that comes from your child's school. Be it email, a note stuffed in her lunch box, or a packet in the mail -- this information is being sent to you for a reason. We all forget the occasional permission slip or parent/teacher meeting, but flat out ignoring school communication is not only lazy, it causes stress for everyone involved.
Understand That You Don't Know Best
Unless you're also a teacher and have the same degree and years of experience in the classroom as your child's teacher, guess what? You're not the expert here. By second guessing everything from curriculum to dress code, you're telling your child's teacher that you know how to run things better than they do. How would you feel if your child's teacher came into your office and told you that you were doing it wrong?
Be Available
For all parties involved, it's a great idea to be ready and willing to sit down and talk with your child's teacher when necessary. It doesn't matter if it's because of a problem, or a positive, discussing your child and her academic career with her teacher is always productive. If you can never make parent/teacher conferences or open houses -- you're hurting your child.
Don't Trash Talk
If or when you have a problem with your child's teacher, take it to the teacher. Parents who gossip at pickup rather than trying to problem-solve are a teacher's worst nightmare. It kills morale and sets up a negative "us vs. them" dynamic. This isn't good for anyone, least of all you and your stress levels.
Are you "that" parent?
Image via Candie N/Flickr
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 34
This is a great list. I would also add: Assume good intentions--that your child's teacher has his best interest at heart and means well. So often, parents come charging through the door, ready to make some heads roll, all because of an honest mistake that the teacher likely either doesn't even know about or knows about and has already taken steps to rectify. With few exceptions, teachers go into the field because they want to make a positive difference in kids' lives and they're not "out to get" your child. Teachers are human, though; they make mistakes just like everyone else.
good list.
When my dad was a child he had a teacher who always singled him out and treated him unfairly. She was very hard on him. He was ranting about this to his father (my grandfather) who finally agreed to go in and talk to the teacher. My dad was sure that my grandfather would go in and give the teacher a stern lecture. He was shocked when the teacher was beaming at him the next day and treated him like gold. He asked my grandfather what he said to her. "I went in and told you how much you like and appreciate her." That as all she needed, problem solved.
I try very hard to not be 'that' parent. I want to be understanding but on top of their studies.
I am so NOT that parent but I do see a lot of it around me.
I'm not that parent, but I worry about being that parent all the time LOL
very good list
Great list!
I don't make trouble. I do want to make sure my children get a good education, so if I don't like something, I will say something. But I'm not annoying or disrespectful.