I had it out with a parent today. Those who know me know that it’s not really in my nature to show (or even have, frankly) any backbone. But I was not about to sit still and let someone tell me that I am not doing my job when in truth I bend over backward daily to serve my students. My principal told me I was “strong” and that I “did well.” And I knew I had the backing of the administration going into this meeting. But still...it hurts to the bone when someone calls my professionalism and clinical judgments into question.

What is it with parents? Fortunately, to this point, I can’t say I understand her situation from a parental perspective. I’ve not had to go to bat for my kids with the schools. I’ve not had to haggle through an IEP meeting or advocate for services or any of that. I can say with certainty, however, that I hold teachers and administrators and school professionals in high regard and certainly would not go in to face them in a confrontational manner when all signs point to the fact that they care about my kid and are doing their best to serve him. I would speak civilly. I would be respectful, even in disagreement. I would participate in give-and-take.

This is the part of the schools that I was dreading. And it’s just the first parent who is angry and upset at an inefficient system that no one seems to be able to change. And as much as I might like to think the issue is about me, it’s really not. I’m sure that over the course of time I will face many such parents...whose frustration and anger and dissatisfaction go unresolved, and for whom I can do nothing other than my very best to serve their children.

I can see it that way. Why can’t she?