Advice please. Head teacher said Santa doesn't exist

[hilz22]

I think you handled that really well op.
I still remember the excitement when Father Christmas had been when i was a child, and i passed that on to my kids.
I would be so angry but i am hopeful you can restore the magic xx

[Vanillapod]

I read this first thing this morning and really didn’t know what to say.
I still don’t.
What a horrible thing to do.
Children are little for such a short time. Every piece of magic and innocence should be eeked out for as long as possible IMO

I’d be absolutely furious

[nats1211]

I think you handled it really well. Love the idea of the bell. My sons going to be 9 just before Xmas and he still completely believes. I’d be gutted if he found out like that.

[Sunnydays]

I think you handled it really well! I would have done exactly the same.

[Twin mummy]

Originally Posted by tspill

I think this is quite naive. No matter what way you think it went. The teacher will have a differing view regardless of what was said. That is a fact of life. Look into behavioural studies to understand how conversation outcomes occur.

See more...

As a teacher I totally disagree with your take on the situation.
Sometimes we all make mistakes and it sounds as though the headteacher is totally aware of the mistake she made.

In that situation I’d much rather have a frank and honest conversation with the parent and work out a way to move forward. I certainly wouldn’t think of the op as a ‘problem parent’, more as someone reasonable who was understandably concerned about their daughter and able to be mature enough to express their displeasure and work out a way forward.

I also take exception to the idea that all teachers take issues with parents out on the children. I think you are seriously undervaluing the professionalism of the profession. I know personally I’ve had some real “problem parents” and have never taken it out on the child!

Oh and op I think you handled it really well.

[Omega1]

Originally Posted by Twin mummy

As a teacher I totally disagree with your take on the situation.
Sometimes we all make mistakes and it sounds as though the headteacher is totally aware of the mistake she made.

In that situation I’d much rather have a frank and honest conversation with the parent and work out a way to move forward. I certainly wouldn’t think of the op as a ‘problem parent’, more as someone reasonable who was understandably concerned about their daughter and able to be mature enough to express their displeasure and work out a way forward.

I also take exception to the idea that all teachers take issues with parents out on the children. I think you are seriously undervaluing the professionalism of the profession. I know personally I’ve had some real “problem parents” and have never taken it out on the child!

Oh and op I think you handled it really well.

See more...

I totally agree with your view. I speak as someone who worked in primary schools for 36 years as teacher, deputy head, head, adviser and inspector. I never came across problem parents, only parents with problems ( some minor, some significant). Some parents needed a lot of multi agency help and support. To think that professional teachers would take an issue out on the child is quite mind boggling and contrary to professional standards which in turn would warrant disciplinary action.

[Tinkertangled]

Originally Posted by tspill

It makes no difference. Teachers like the rest of us are human. They will and do react to complaining parents. The only person this affects is the child and the relationship between teacher and child.
No matter what way parents argue this - this is the reality of life. Not saying it is right or wrong - it is just the way it is.
If you have spent any time with a group of teachers - you will know that a significant part of their conversation is about complaining parents.
Teachers are doing their best to educate and prepare children for the future. These days much more so than parents generally. They are some of the most important people in their lives. They aren't perfect. Give them a break and hence give your children the best chance you can.
Argue it whatever way you want - it wont have a positive impact on the child. It will almost certainly have a negative impact. The more the complaining, the more the impact. And not just for that one teacher. Teachers all know who the "problem" parents are and that sticks throughout the child's time at the school - not just that year.

See more...

Wow I really hope you’re not a teacher - if you are it’s sounds like you are in the wrong profession!

[tspill]

Originally Posted by Tinkertangled

Wow I really hope you’re not a teacher - if you are it’s sounds like you are in the wrong profession!

See more...

I am not a teacher - but know many teachers.
Teachers are human. They react to interactions just like the rest of us.
Just look at the threads on here complaining about everything. Teachers can complain to each other about parents. It is just the reverse of the OP's issue - works both ways. Nothing to do with the profession. If anyone complains to any of us about anything - we will build a response opinion of that interaction. When receiving. complaint - that will be an negative response. Anyone who thinks they do otherwise I suspect is not being honest with themselves. This is very basic human nature.

[tspill]

Originally Posted by Feebee2

So in life you can never tackle any situation as someone's view of you will be negatively impacted?

See more...

No - that is not what I am saying. What I am saying is you need to be aware of any consequences and make decisions recognising this.
I don't think I said what the OP was doing was right or wrong - just that there are consequences. You need to choose your battles.

[tspill]

Originally Posted by duchy

I think your posts say more about you than the teaching profession (or any other profession) . Most people are perfectly capable of separating the professional job they do and any ambivalence they feel towards their customer or their relatives , be they doctors, teachers , social workers, nurses etc.
Maybe you've been unlucky and encountered the exceptions but I'm speaking from personal experience not "behavioural studies" (although I've conducted a few of those myself and am aware how flawed they can be if the basic premise is incorrect or biased)
Most people aren't that petty especially when children are concerned ... in fact if there is a problem parent teachers tend to feel sorry for the child rather than take it out on them from my personal observations in the staff room !

See more...

Please don't make it personal just because I have a differing opinion than you.
There are hundreds of threads on the DIBB alone that demonstrate just how petty people in general are. And just how they react to things they don't like.