a.k.a: dealing with parents! holding parents accountable developing rules and policies, and...
TRANSCRIPT
A.k.a: Dealing with Parents!
Holding Parents Accountable
Developing Rules and Policies, and Enforcing Them
Not all parents are as difficult as we will make them out to be. Many are wonderful, kind
people that will step back and let you do your jobs. Furthermore, even the individuals who are the most challenging to deal with often
have good intentions, and that is important to remember.
This presentation focuses on some of the overlying issues that program administrators often have in dealing with parents, and some preemptive steps that they can take to avoid
such issues.
Preface:
Parents Suck!
• We do this job because of the kids• It’s easy dealing with difficult kids if the
parents aren’t difficult• Every kid is special in the parent’s eyes
• Without them, there are no kids…• They can be useful, and they like to be involved - this
can be a good thing!• When they are unhappy, they can make minor issues
seem very large• The happier you can keep the parents, the more they
trust you
Parents are Important
• All policies should be made in the best interest of the sailors– How do we provide them with a safe and educational
program?
• What are some potential issues that we may have, and how can we preemptively address those issues?
• What are some concerns that parents might have that we can cover in our policies to try to avoid any concerns altogether?
Developing Rules and Policies
• Important things to cover:– Safety– Expectations– Roles of the sailors, instructors/coaches, and parents– Communication paths– Discipline Policy– Personal Grievance Policy
• Be thorough, but concise• Have your club lawyer look over what you have
written before publicizing it• Participant and Parent Agreement
Developing Rules and Policies
The Fun Part: Enforcing Them!
Once your policies are in place, how do we make them work?
Troubleshooting
• Try to not laugh at parents concerns• Take their concerns seriously… see if there is a
way to learn and implement something to fix it the problem
• Directors take the heat– Instructors send troubled parents to Director– Instructors should be there to teach
Know Your Support System
• What is the line of command when there is an issue?– Instructor/Coach > Head Instructor/Program Director
> Commodore/General Manager
(Hopefully you don’t have to rely on this guy)
Keep Instructors Proactive
• Every instructor is out front greeting parents and sailors
• Constant attention • No sitting…• No gabbing…
– Especially no stories about last night!
• Smile
Check in and out!
• Provide each instructor with a check-in list– Parents are instructed to sign in and out each
sailor with their specific instructor• Parents get to know the instructor• Both instructors and parents have a daily dialogue • Kids don’t go missing… • Instructors know who is there for the day
– Doubles as an attendance list– Are there any issues? Medications? Etc.
Get to know the ParentsThey’re much easier to deal with if they love you!
The Secret to Success: Communication
• Provide parents and sailors with all of the information that they need– Policies and Rules– Program Information and Logistics– Calendars
• Preseason meetings• If you provide the information up front, they
will have fewer questions and concerns
When things get tough… remind yourself why you do this job!
Martha Pitt – [email protected] Faudree – [email protected]