The $100 Question: How Do You Handle Disagreements with Other Parents?

Run away and hide under my bed until they move. I'd love to say being reasonable and open-minded works but honestly, in most cases if you disagree you're always going to disagree.

I tend to avoid the person as I've found in the past that people just get defensive and angry and it's a rare person who admits they are wrong.
rosans4@comcast.net

I try to be very diplomatic about it.

Sugarcoating just masks the issue, and doesn't solve anything.

The key is to remain calm and present your point in a rational matter. Sometimes agreements aren't going to be reached but it's important to be as civil as possible.

When I disagreed with one of my daughter's playmates parents it became a problem that needed to be addressed. My daughter loves to play with their kids, but my husband and I disagree with their parenting style. They are to lax. We just had to limit the time our child spends at their home. Then we have to enforce the rules in our home.

I personally don't care what other people think but I may give them a listen...usually they are uninformed about my situation and they think they are helping but they are not. Honestly, I probably get really angry but I try not to cause a scene for the sake of my kids :P

disagreement I had with the parent of my son's friend. She wanted to petition the city to get "no parking" signs along the street, and I wanted to maintain that parking. She was mad at me that I wouldn't sign her petition. I listened to her speak angrily at me, but politely declined to sign. I don't think she was ever too happy with me after that, but fortunately, I had few occasions to see her. I wish it had gone better.

Another way to handle an irrational parent is by finding something you have in common with them and making small talk. That can ease the atmosphere and that might change their attitude.

When I have to deal with difficult parents I talk to them as calm as possible. You fight fire with being polite and attempting to handle the situation like an adult.

I believe it sets a good example for our children to see us peacefully disagree. There are too many bullies in the world who throw their weight and impose their preferences on others. I belive that our children need to see gracious role models who won't take advantage of others, won't slander others needlessly, won't impose their beliefs on others, and won't behave rudely in public. To save face, sometimes things are better left unsaid.

Sometimes you can peacefully disagree. You have to carefully discern if the other parent is reasonable and open to other points of view. If so, then I would proceed with gently (not abrasively) informing the parent that I prefer a different ethic. If I don't have to make an enemy, why would I?

Whether you are right or wrong, arguing sometimes creates a negative impression of an individual depending on the perspective of the witnesses. Since, I don't want to damage my reputation or relationships with others at church, at my daughter's school, etc., I refrain from making a scene whenever possible.

I usually avoid confrontation with other parents. It's not that I can't confront them, it's just that I don't feel I have to time or energy to fight that battle. As long as their rules are not encroaching upon my child, they can do whatever they want with their children. Everyone should have that right. If their rules are encroaching upon my child, I simply remove my child from the situation. They don't need an explanation from me. Simple as that.

I think it's important to set a good example and not argue over disagreements. It's always best to settle issues calmly and be willing to compromise.

When disagreements happen, often we have time and the will to check with other parents to see if we have a reasonable stance. Often taking some time to research reduces any ill will with a disagreement.

Well, everyone is different.

No point in dragging it on with them, it just makes matters worse. I've tried to force my opinions on others. There are always those that won't agree with you, no matter what. Life's too short to worry about them.

try to be reasonable and see both sides of the argument

Why would you be mean and nasty your children are learning from you You need to be calm that is what I try to do everyone has a difference of opinion doesn't mean yours is always right.

I try to be calm and rational. It is hard if the other parent doesn't handle things the same way.

Honestly, it depends on the parent. For most cases, I will state my side and allow a discussion to develope. At times, however, I find that this is not possible and it is best to remain silent and just walk away.

i compromise

Attempt to have a reasonable discussion. When other parents are over the top sometimes you just have to walk away and explain to your child that sometimes adults disagree and it will eventually blow over.

I try to be polite, but straightforward. Beating around the bush never helps.

I haven't had to deal with this particular situation, but a bit of humor helps with many sticky things. Thanks for the contest.

Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree. We all come from different backgrounds, and just because someone has a different style of parenting doesn't make either of us wrong - we're just different. Of course, I draw the line at anything that would be considered abusive but, outside of that, they're free to parent their way, just as I am free to parent mine.

Many thanks!!

I haven't has any problems with parents but if I did I would just talk to them.

If your children are not upset by the parent, why enter into the fray? If they are, then I would have to get involved.

It depends on what the disagreement is over. If it involves my kid, and is something I think is important, I directly tell them what I need for my kid, and why.

I am very direct and tell it like it is. I realize that everyone has their own standards, try not to take it personally and calmly say what I believe in.

If I can tell from the beginning that there is no way they will see any other point of view, I just let it go. What's the saying...Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference

I would talk calmly and rationally with them and always put my child's beat interest first.

try to reasonable and see both sides of the disagreement

I rarely have disagreements with others. However, I don't get along well with loud, know-it-alls. In that case, I bite my tongue and try to be polite.

txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

We stay calm, and let everyone voice their feelings....then have lots of open and honest communication.

I try not to argue with other parents unless it specifically deals with something done/said to my child. Besides that, I try to hear out the other's point of views.

stay calm, keep voice low. That helps in any disagreements - you really don't want a shouting match. If other party gets obnoxious, foul or threatening, walk away, and try another day.

Stephen Covey says to seek to understand,so I try that first. If we can't come to an agreement then I just let it go.

to their opinion, usually say something like I can see why you might feel like that then say this is what I think about it and let them realize I know they have a right to feel how they feel same as I do.

What I won't do is argue and try to justify and I won't let them either.

I try to remain calm and If things don't get better, I walk away.

ckfrrt
I first listen to what they have to say,sometimes they have the facts wrong and then discuss what I have to say with them.

I've luckily never been in the situation, but I hope that both I and the other parent would behave respectfully. If not, I would probably walk away. Otherwise I wouldn't be providing a very good example for my child.

I'm a firm believer that parents should 'lead by example'! We've 'always' instilled in our children that 'hot-headedness' is never the solution to any problem! So whenever there's a disagreement with other parents, my wife and I remain calm and try to solve the issue in a 'peaceful' manner!

I try to meet the other parents and talk things out like adults. If it's a bullying issue, the school handles it. Better that way - I wouldn't want to get involved - i.e., the going to jail part and all!

try to be reasonable and see both sides of an issue

Communication is key, and so is acting in a calm, rationale manner. State the facts and offer a solution.

txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

to avoid them as much as i can :0)

Luckily, I have not run into disagreeable parents. The parents of my kid's friends have always been super nice. Guess I'm lucky.

I put myself in their shoes and stay calm, being the bigger person. If all else fails... leave a sack of poo on their doorstep... ok not really, but i think about it. ;)

I try and talk to them calmly and without arguing. Arguing and being upset does not solve anything and sets a bad example for children!