do they focus on their personal agenda and not the issue of concern you are trying to discuss with them? The issue: child forges parent's name and insists she didn't (the printing in crayon always gives it away). Parents wants to focus on "another child is bothering my child and I've always told her to tell the teacher and when she did you didn't immediately punish the other child even though you didn't witness anything. And you accused my child of having a temmper tantram just because she was sobbing hysterically and yelling at me "you never listen to me (punish people on my say-so)" as the other children are trying to tell her "she's listening to you right now". The parent then said she would document every complaint her child made and then bring it to the prince to which I replied "Absolutely, please do, and I'd like to be there for this conference." Oh, the forgery? Oh that, yeah, I'll talk to her. Similar experiences? Advice? Thank, I feel better.

[me41]

I am sorry you are having to deal with this enabler. In my school this little one would have gotten an automatic detention, no questions asked.

I would move this child away from the one who "bothers her" and forbid her to talk to the child. Then everytime this child tries to interact move her away and tell her no she is not allowed. If she then starts tattling on others move her desk away from the group, find some books about tattling and share them with the group. If she has a tantrum call the prince down and have her hauled away.

[ashleigh_60]

Because their child is perfect and would never do any of those things. Seriously, I have seen so many parents try to deflect everything negative away from the child. It is always someone else's fault, and when they can't find anyone else to blame they'll blame themselves before making their child take responsibility for his/her actions. I just don't get why they do it. I'd have been really upset by the documenting every complaint comment, but it sounds like you handled it well. It also sounds like she is really wanting to get to you and push you around. I'm sure you already know to document everything with this child-good and bad. Good luck dealing with this.

[canteach]

Didn't she just threaten to "tell on you?" Glad you called her bluff. She is trying to bully you. Good suggestion about forbidding the tattler to talk to the other child and moving her away from the group, but...it won't help the tattler learn to deal with peers which seems to be at least one of her problems. She is also trying to bully the teacher by displaying hysteria. Tell her you cannot understand her when she is crying, but will be glad to listen when she is finished crying. Be sympathetic in tone, but firmly in control of who/what behavior is punished. This child sounds as if she is frequently frustrated in dealing with peers. Perhaps meeting with a counselor would be a good thing for both parent and child? We have some on staff and refer parents there for help often. If they choose not to accept the help, that is their choice. Document everything!