When Conflict Happens
In her May 2010 ParentLife article "A Step of Faith," Mary Ann Bradberry helps parents of infants feel more comfortable taking their babies to church and leaving them with church caregivers. But what do you do when conflict arises between you and your child's teachers?
Misunderstandings between parents and teachers often are inevitable. However, because the church is a partner in the spiritual development of your child, it is essential to work out differences. These tips may help create a positive outcome when you face a conflict.
Talk to the teacher. However, avoid an angry outburst when picking up your child. Instead contact the teacher to discuss the situation. If the teacher is unwilling to talk with you, contact the person responsible for the preschool ministry.- Listen carefully. Ask specific questions to get the facts about the situation. Use open-ended questions such as “Can you explain to me the policy for contacting parents when a baby is upset and cannot be soothed by a teacher?” Follow-up with more specific questions and express your concern about not being paged or notified that your child was upset. Often teachers want parents to enjoy a worship service without interruption.
- Brainstorm a solution together. Often expressing your desires will solve the problem. Most conflicts arise from miscommunication between parents and teacher.
Be sure not to miss "Seven Signs That Babies Matter" (p. 9 of May 2010 ParentLife) for characteristics of a quality church program for infants.
Have you ever had a problem with your child's teachers at church? How did you handle the conflict?
Comments (1)
This is a super post. Too often we think that everything will go smoothly because it is a church ministry, but with many different parents/care givers serving each and every week, there can be some inconsistency in procedures. Contacting the ministry supervisor is a great suggestion, for the person caring for your child that week may not even be aware of a policy nor may he/she share the concern with someone in a position to actually make a change if it is needed.
Posted on May 19, 2010 10:46 PM