When to Step In and When to Step Back: A Parent's Guide to School Drama Without the Mama Bear Meltdown

When we come in hot, fully activated to defend and advocate for our children, we may end up causing more harm than good. Sometimes, as parents, it’s essential to check our tone, take a breath, and approach situations with curiosity. Think of it as a partnership. Join Cathy and Meredith on this episode of Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You as they dive into a discussion about when it is and isn’t, appropriate for parents to step in and how to handle school drama without the 'Mama (or Papa) Bear Meltdown!' They explore different examples, discussing how a parent’s tone can completely change the entire experience and why, when necessary, you shouldn’t be deterred by red tape when advocating for your child’s needs. They also highlight key aspects of a well-received intervention, what to consider when making requests, and why it’s crucial to think about what you say, how you say it, and to whom you’re saying it. Be sure to tune in for all this and much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:01:00] A timely discussion as the school year kicks off.
• [0:02:30] Subscribe and share our podcast!
• [0:03:20] When is it, and isn’t, appropriate for parents to step in at school.
• [0:04:45] Some situations where parents shouldn’t be playing any role.
• [0:07:00] An example of when it could be appropriate for parents to step in.
• [0:08:35] The importance of your tone when stepping in.
• [0:09:15] We look at other examples of when stepping in would be appropriate.
• [0:13:10] Don’t be deterred by red tape when advocacy for your child is needed.
• [0:15:30] Any time you are concerned about your child’s safety.
• [0:15:45] What gets parents in trouble when reaching out to schools.
• [0:16:30] We delve into the best approach for stepping in.
• [0:19:45] An important aspect to remember when reaching out with requests.
• [0:22:00] Try to approach things with curiosity, and not as an activated parent-warrior.
• [0:25:40] How the college process can also bring forth bad parenting intervention.
• [0:28:50] Providing critical information and context about your child’s health.
• [0:33:55] We share the only time when parents reach out is bothersome.

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