Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Annoyed at son's school

131 replies

sneezeybreezey · 10/02/2025 20:10

Hi,

My son ( 14) is having some issues at school - school are concerned that he is being disruptive in class etc, and affecting the learning of others kids. I am not making excuses for him, but I think that they are too quick to criticise rather than look at what is making him behave like this.

I have contacted the school and have asked for meeting. My work commitment and younger kids etc mean that I am only available to meet at either 7.30am or 5.30pm. Someone from school has called to say that they can't accommodate this as it's outside of their normal hours, and can I make a meeting between 8 and 4.30pm!!

I am not happy - surely they have a duty to support working parents?

OP posts:
Sherrystrull · 10/02/2025 20:30

Lumpysparrow · 10/02/2025 20:26

This entitled attitude from parents is why I need to get out of teaching.

This. Honestly it's so depressing.

DanceMumTaxi · 10/02/2025 20:30

Teachers and office staff are working parents too you know!

The OP just epitomises what is wrong with education nowadays. The first thought is - what are the teachers doing wrong to make my angel behave in this way. Accusatory straightaway rather than being supportive of school. Everything on their terms.

Notgivenuphope · 10/02/2025 20:31

So if one of your kids was ill and was offered a doctor’s appointment in your work time you wouldn’t take him?
You aren’t that important OP. Clear some time in your oh so busy schedule and sort out your child’s bad behaviour.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 10/02/2025 20:32

No, they do not have 'a duty to working parents'. Whether you are or are nit a working parent is nothing to do with them. It is their job to teach and support your child while he is at school, and to inform you if there are any problems, which they have done. They didn't ask you to attend a meeting, it was at your request. If you want a meeting, you will have to have it during their working hours!

Edenmum2 · 10/02/2025 20:32

Come on now....you can't be serious?

Springadorable · 10/02/2025 20:32

Arrange a meeting and book time off. You want the school to care about and do something regarding his behaviour but you are unwilling to do anything yourself.

GreenWheat · 10/02/2025 20:33

This "nothing is my responsibility" attitude is the bane of society these days. Take time off work for the meeting.

Starlightstarbright4 · 10/02/2025 20:36

Try been the parent of a child with SN’s . I had to attend regular meeting's .

i am though curious what you think the problem is ?

Teenage boys mess about - you need to support the school . This is a him problem.. and actually does need addressing or it will get worse

howshouldibehave · 10/02/2025 20:36

Your child is disrupting the education of others and you want an appointment outside of the teacher's working day to find out why he's not behaving?!

I think you should home educate and let their staff teach the kids that are willing to learn.

Snorlaxo · 10/02/2025 20:36

If you have some info about why he’s behaving like this them a meeting would be a good idea so that you could provide that info. You can’t be angry that the school don’t know - teenagers often don’t want to talk to teachers and teachers don’t know the little tricks to get your son to open up because they aren’t his parent.
Can ds’ father help by attending instead? Can the younger kids’ father take over the younger children stuff for a bit so you can attend the meeting ? 8 or 4.30 is reasonable imo

Meredusoleil · 10/02/2025 20:38

Lumpysparrow · 10/02/2025 20:26

This entitled attitude from parents is why I need to get out of teaching.

Totally hear you 👌

MumonabikeE5 · 10/02/2025 20:40

You ask your employer to take time off, yet as you would if you needed to take child to medics.
possibly you could arrange a zoom call, during school hours.

GetDownkeith · 10/02/2025 20:48

Edenmum2 · 10/02/2025 20:32

Come on now....you can't be serious?

I would have said the same 6 months ago but having worked in secondary schools since August this happens every day.
I think the op is being goady but honestly so many parents actually behave like this.

Pieceofpurplesky · 10/02/2025 20:49

Your kid is as entitled as you are. Thinks he can do what he wants and gets annoyed when he can't.
There you go.

Bluevelvetsofa · 10/02/2025 20:52

If he is disrupting the learning of others, you need to take that seriously. Nothing will improve without a partnership between you and the school and a plan to nip this behaviour in the bud.

The school has a duty to support all the children in its care and to work with parents- all parents. You need to decide whether your son is a priority.

MiaBria · 10/02/2025 20:55

Another wind up…OP hasn't returned.

Richiewoo · 10/02/2025 20:59

You expect them to change their hours for you. You're not prepared to do the same.

DanceMumTaxi · 10/02/2025 21:02

Yes, this probably is a wind-up, but the sad thing is this kind of stuff happens for real every day in schools up and down the country.

Sunholidays · 10/02/2025 21:02

A reverse, or a wind up.

Raindropskeepfallinonmyhead · 10/02/2025 21:03

Of course the world should revolve around you op. How rude of the school to not change their hours!

Diomi · 10/02/2025 21:09

Why aren’t you annoyed at your son? He is the one who caused the problem. He doesn’t have to piss about in class wasting everyone’s time.

dapsnotplimsolls · 10/02/2025 21:09

Hilarious.

NinetyNineRedBalloonsGoBy · 10/02/2025 21:14

Your child is a little shit OP who is causing the other nice kids to lose out on their one chance of an education.

You don't really need to go into a meeting with school, just take their word for it and sanction him at home.

justanotherchangeofname · 10/02/2025 21:16

So you're annoyed that school can't look at the cause of his behaviour even though you're not willing to put yourself out to talk about his behaviour? Okay ..

HeebieJeebeez · 10/02/2025 21:16

Yab v u.

Sod work. Your son is your priority.
How on earth can you expect them to stay late or be there early. They do enough hours !