Teachers! I have an excellent parents' evening tip for you.

[OoozingCervix]

1. If you have a 10 minute slot and you are still talking after 25 minutes to a parent there is quite obviously an issue that needs to be discussed further at a later date.

1. May I suggest you get a timer? Put it on your table. Set it for 9 minutes. If after the allotted time you are still talking, hand over a card with your email on it and suggest the parent book a further appointment to see you.

IANBU.

Ours are run by strict buzzer, like speed dating !

Ermmmm..... do you think we really want to voluntarily sit there all night after working all day when we've got our own kids we are dying to see?? Blame those parents who don't get the hint to bugger off!! :)

Dds school rings the school bell every time it's time to swap. Makes me jump and I'm a quivering wreck by the end of it

Parents! I have a hint for you! When I keep saying 'it was good to meet you' or 'thanks for coming'... What I really mean is sod off. We only have 4 min appointments so go away!

parkin. you need a timer. and a buzzer.

I'm so unutterably frustrated I need gin.

we get 5 minutes, then a 2 minute change-over interval, big screen on the stage ticking down each slot, then a buzzer!

it's manic!

I think parents evenings have improved since the days when we were given the children's seats to sit in.

can i not just hide under my desk and gibber til they retreat

i am 87% kidding

Ours uses the school bell. Its great, no hanging around.

Teachers - I have a great suggestion for you, when a parent emails you, please be kind enough to take the time to reply. Thank you .

I'm ace at parents evenings, I always run to schedule, even with five minute appointments.

It comes from being socially awkward and incapable of small talk. My more sociable colleagues always have a queue.

25 sodding minutes Geography was with this one couple. That meant I missed Biology and English and by the time we got to see then the poo teachers were so hanging they couldn't be arsed to tell me how wonderful my PFB is.

I need this buzzer system at my school! Like speed dating!

poor not poo. they weren't that bad.

Haha. As always, blame the teacher for EVERYTHING.

Honestly, how many times can you say, 'thank you for coming, it was lovely to see you,' before the parent gets the hint!

My dd's teacher told me "thanks for coming" and then stopped making eye contact! She's only just turned 24. Can't believe how assertive she was. She's a brilliant teacher.

And what are your tips for other professionals?

then be firmer. stand up and say 'Your slot is finished, if you need more information please email me'.

Bell at ds' school too.

Ok thanks for these hints.

you're welcome.

I would get a telling off for a bringing a buzzer. Even though I would love to. 90% of parents are ok, it's the 10% who either don't get social norms and cues to leave and those who think their child is the centre of the universe. Prompting them to an email address is no deterrent it seems with some and you can hardly tell them to piss off!