Following the CURFF Policy 

(5)

Implementing the 21 Day Plan 

(4)

Providing new parents in the district the child’s first  book and the Daily Dozen Parenting Tips to help overcome the five year void. (PTA  and Teacher’s Association with blessing from the board and superintendent)

(3)

Tell children they are special and can achieve great things everyday 

(3)

Teach the Five “NO” Rules” 

(3)

Keep an open mind to possibilities and doing things different 

(3)

Understanding that children mimic their behavior…traditions, values, character 

(2)

Understanding the Don Shula Story, keeping expectations high, developing parameters and staying focused on the goal

(1)

Practicing the Seven Steps for Student Success

(1)

Teaching responsibility for poor choices/behavior, no enabling

(1)

Kids “dropping out” in the 2-3 grade with non-attendance

(1)

Empowering children to feel important

(1)

Practicing the “Daily Dozen” everyday

(1)

Understanding the difficulty of change for kids and parents

(1)

Making the last 30 minutes of the day positive

(1)

Making the Pledge never to ridicule or belittle children

(1)

Creating the possibility of a child looking up and saying, "I want to be just like you."

(1)

I  wish we had more time for discussion, not just at the end (2)…me too!

I like the idea of the “Ripple Effect” and empowering others to realize they do have an impact on people around them.

I liked the “enabling” questionnaire.

The packet was nice to take with us.

You reinforced many of my beliefs…be a teacher and not a “buddy.”

I would have liked concrete examples, dialogue with other teachers, to hear ideas from others.  (Regarding the comment about concrete
examples to give parents, I would suggest asking them about  current issues they are dealing with at home or what they need help with…… then develop a plan around their needs.)

So, how do you do these things with a parent  who sees nothing wrong with their child’s behavior and feels the school is at fault  when issues arrive?  Responses from GH…Briefly, this is the classic attitude of an enabling parent.  Give them the 50 point questionnaire and see if they’ll take it.  My bet is they won’t even try once they read the first few questions.  Remember, while the child is in your classroom, he must meet your expectations because they are your standards / parameters.  “I appreciate your input but these are the expectations for students in my class.  I treat all student the same!”   Hold fast, be firm (Remember CURFF?)   I wrote an article a few years back about…”My Child Would Never Cheat, Steal or Lie, Yeah, Right!” If anyone is interested in a copy, I’ll try to find it.  It addresses parents in denial.   Your question has prompted me to consider writing an article about the topic.  Check the oldeducator.com website in about five-six weeks for more information about enabling parents in denial.

You gave us six copies of  articles you’ve written in the past  relating to your presentation.  Each one seems meaningful for both parents and teachers.  GH response- Feel free to refer people to the website to  read the articles….there is a message in everyone one of them for parents and teachers who want to help kids.