Responding to Parents (for Teachers): Real Responses to the Real Things Parents Say - Paperback

by Chase Nordman (Author)

The hardest part of teaching isn't always the lesson plan, it's the conversations!
The late night emails, the tense phone calls, the parent who says, "Are you calling me a liar?"

Responding to Parents (for Teachers) gives educators the words and the mindset to handle those moments with calm, empathy, and professionalism. Using trauma-informed methods and strategies, this book helps teachers defuse tension, rebuild trust, and turn conflict into connection.

Each entry begins with a real life parent statement, things teachers actually hear, and follows with a clear, ready-to-use response. From "You're too strict" to "You're racist against my son," from "Can you just pass her?" to "You're a horrible teacher," these pages walk you through the language of grace under pressure. Every "You Say" on each page models what it sounds like to stay grounded and every "Why It Works" unpacks the psychology and communication skill behind it.

But this isn't a script book! It's a guide to emotional intelligence in education. It's about how to stay human in moments that test your patience and professionalism. You'll learn to keep your cool when parents are angry or defensive, set boundaries without sounding dismissive, build rapport with families who feel unheard, and protect your peace while protecting your students.

In a profession that often asks too much, Responding to Parents (for Teachers) reminds educators that communication is not about control, it's about clarity, compassion, and courage.

Whether you're a new teacher preparing for your first conference or a veteran who's seen it all, this book gives you something priceless: the words to stay kind, calm, and confident no matter what comes your way.

Because teaching isn't just about what we say to students. It's how we speak to the people who raise them too!