Participation Question for teachers...parents welcome to answer as well?

Question

I work at a child care centre with children from 2 1/2- 5 years. We've had a lot of success with our summer parent participation program where the parents of the children came in to discuss about their job, hobby or did an activity with the children. Our last activity was a Henna Day which was planned 2 weeks in advanced and displayed on our activity board. A mom came in and used Henna (natural brown/orange) on the kids drawing suns, moons, stars, Dora, Boots and other children's cartoon characters.

All the parents raved on how cool it was and the kids we're so thrilled with their designs. All but one, who has given us problems in the past if you have seen my other questions on Answers. The parent asked me if I knew that it was not safe. I told them that they could be confused with the Black Henna used at carnivals and theme parks that have been known to be not safe but natural Henna? I have never heard of this. I told the parent that this activity has been planned for 2 weeks and has been on display on the activity boards both in the hall and on the door. If there was a problem with the activity they could have spoken up before now and it would have been accepted. But then again, what can you do with that one child that wants to experience the same things as their peers but cannot because their parents do not wish for them to participate in the activity? Teachers and Parents what's your view?

Answer 1

It seems like thiers always going to be that ONE parent who has a problem with something.Henna is completely safe,but then again,you cant please everyone.

When doing activitys this child cant,try other similiar activities with them;

If you do henna-try using carnival makeup on the other child.

If anything,you can ask the parent what they suggest.Good Luck!

Answer 2

there's one in every class.  all you can do is make sure the information is posted for everyone to have the chance to read and make their own decisions.  after that, it's up to her to be a responsible parent.  but she sounds like one that's just going to complain to make herself feel important

Answer 3

Unfortunately parents do have final say over their child and if they dont want them to particpate then there's two options:

1) you suggest child does not attend that day as you worry it will upset the child not joining in with their friends-this may make the mum realise she's the only one with a problem and realise she doesnt want child being left out.

2) if you have extra staff member they could take child to play a special game, have time outside etc for the length of the activity.

We had a similar incident as we had a jehovah family in at xmas time and they didnt want their child having anything to do with xmas songs, santa etc...so we discussed in one on one and said reindeer, snowflakes etc were fine so we linked our xmas into a xmas/winter time theme so the child could join in most of the activity. He wasnt too unhappy not making santa as it was free play so he just got on and played with others who werent making their santas at that time. Hisparents kept him away the day of the xmas play which was fine!

If you parent continues to complain just explain that adequate notice was available, your sorry she was upset but there's nothing else you can do at this time. And suggest that she speaks to someone higher up if really unhappy!

Answer 4

I haven't seen you other questions, so I'll try to give this one a try. Number one, there is always one trouble making parent out there. And then this, when you know a new activity is coming soon, don't just expect her to read it on the display. Tell her about the activity in advance; "Did you notice that we are going to be having a Henna day, what do you think of that?" If she initially tells you that it isn't safe, then assure her of what kind is going to be used and how safe it is. Then give her the option of keeping her child home on such an activity, but explain to her that you are going to be sad that her child can't participate in such a fun day. Also, is there something else that the child can do that is fun. I know parents complain, but don't let children in anyway suffer, give them something equally fun. Sorry about the trouble, it sounded like a fun day!

Answer 5

if it was clearly posted on the parent board then she had the opportunity (and obligation) to read what was going on in her child's school. if she was against the henna day she had the right to not allow her child to attend or to attend but be excused from the activity.  when we did an acitivity at my school and a parent didn't want the child to participate (normally it was halloween party), that chlld would spend that time in my office coloring, reading or playing at my activity table.  or the parent had the choice to not bring the child for the day (at no cost reduction).  so, to me, the parent had choices and she didn't chose wisely.  her problem.  the director needs to make this clear to her for the next time.