CHECK OUT THE ULTIMATE NEW TEACHER AMAZON WISHLIST

When Parents Question You: Staying Confident & Professional

beginning elementary teachers beginning of the year parent communication teacher confidence

Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:

Show Notes:

When parents question your decisions as a teacher, it can feel like your professionalism is on trial, but it’s actually an opportunity. Instead of bracing for conflict, what if you leaned in with clarity, calm, and confidence? The way you respond can either build trust or break it, and with the right approach, even the toughest questions can become moments of partnership.

As the excitement of a new school year wears off, new and challenging situations often arise. That’s why I created the September Survival Series; to give you practical tips, strategies, and encouragement to remind you that everything will work out. In the first two episodes, I shared how to reset your routines and procedures and how to manage stress during those first hectic weeks. In this final episode, I’m focusing on what to do when parents question you, and how to handle those situations with confidence and professionalism.

If you’ve ever had a parent challenge your instruction, policies, or interactions with their child, you know how unsettling it can feel. Many teachers’ first instinct (mine included!) is to respond with frustration or defensiveness. But over time, I realized that defensiveness only created more distance, while a calm and thoughtful response could actually build trust.

That’s why I developed a simple three-step framework for handling difficult parent conversations with grace and composure. In this episode, I’ll walk you through that framework, showing you how to respond in ways that are firm, factual, and forward-moving. I’ll also share real-world examples to help you see how this approach works in everyday classroom situations.

At the end of the day, when parents question you, it isn’t about proving yourself. It’s about building bridges. Listen with empathy, respond with professionalism, and keep the focus on what’s best for the student. By staying calm, clear, and collaborative, you can turn moments of doubt into opportunities for partnership and trust.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

A recap of key points from the first two episodes of the September Survival Series.
How to stay confident, calm, and professional when parents question your classroom policies or procedures.
My three-step framework for responding to parents in a way that is firm yet collaborative.
Practical reminders to help you stay grounded when parent criticism feels overwhelming.
Why getting defensive is the biggest mistake teachers can make, and how staying calm and positive builds trust and connection with parents.
How the Classroom Management Club improves your communication and provides resources for teachers looking to have positive teacher-parent relationships.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links:

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.

Click here to listen on Spotify.

Click here to listen on YouTube.

Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.

Click here to listen on Audible.

Click here to listen on other apps.

Related episodes you might enjoy:

Follow:

Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛 Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.

Leave a Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching.

To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!

To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.