What if your child's school called and reported thatyour son or daughter had been in a fight? What do you, as a parent, need to do in order to handle this scenario appropriately?
- Talk to the School: When a parent has a child who was part of an altercation at school, it is important for the parent to go to the school and find out the entire story. To start with, find out the school's side of the story. Get all the information from the principal or counselor as to what they believe happened. Don't automatically jump to blame someone other than your child; it very well could have been your child as the instigator.
- Listen to Your Child: Once you have spoken to a school administrator or the adult in charge of the incident, then it is time to listen to your child. Parents should let their child talk, tell his or her side of the story and explain exactly what they think happened. This is not the time to interrupt your child or place blame; it is just your time to listen. Do not contradict your child with any information you may have heard from the school staff. Just let your child do all ofthe talking.
- Discuss: After your child has spoken his or her piece, the best thing to do is to have the school support staff present and speak to your child about any contradictions you may have heard from his story compared to the school's story. This is the time to be blunt, telling your child what you think and how you feel. Be honest. It is important for a child to know that you, as the parent, are disappointed in the fight. It doesn't matter whose fault the fight was, the issue is that there was a fight at all. Your child should also know, that even though you are disappointed that he had a fight, you lovehim no matter what.
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Author: Kaye Siders