How to Talk to Angry Parents

 Hi Everyone!  After a week of fighting off the flu - I am finally feeling better.  Who knew you could get the flu in the Spring?

Anyway, I found a great article about Susan Scott's Fierce Conversation Training.  I experienced a few angry parents in my teaching career so of course those conferences are the ones I remember.  Overall, I suggest you listen and allow parents to vent.  Then, repeat back to the parents what you believe the issues are.

Seems simple right?  Unfortunately emotionally charged conversations can be tricky.  Here is a series of sample questions from Susan Scott's Mineral Rights strategy:

*How long has this been going on?
*What result is this producing? Who does it affect?
*What are your emotions about it?
*If nothing changes, what is likely to occur?
*What has been your contribution to this problem?
*What would your ideal outcome be?
*What is the most powerful next step you can take?

These questions may help you stay focused when dealing with parents.  If you are interested in reading more, check out the Journal of Staff Development's article, "The Right Conversation Strategy Can Extinguish Anger and Strengthen Parent-Teacher Relationships" by Jamie Sussel Turner.