Member-only story
About Your Kid’s Behavior . . .
You just got a call from the school office. Here are 7 things to not do.
I’ve worked in middle school education for a good chunk of my professional life. And I’ve raised two sons, neither of whom were exactly choirboys during their adolescent years.
So I know what it’s like to get that call from a teacher or a school administrator who wants to inform you that your precious progeny has just gotten into some hot water. And I also know what it’s like to have to make that call to a parent.
It’s no fun from either end of the equation.
But it’s quite likely that at some point you will be receiving such a call. Especially if this is your first child, it’s helpful to have a few pointers in advance.
1. Don’t freak out.
After I’ve identified myself, the first thing I say over the phone to any parent is that their kid is fine (assuming that’s true). As I mentioned, I’m a mom and I know full well the pulse-pumping, stomach-sinking sensation prompted by a call from the school office.
Take a breath. Your kid is still in one piece, they’re just in some trouble. Whatever else you’re about to learn is entirely survivable. And the calmer you can remain, the better for everybody.
