AIBU to not want to 'chat'?

[oldfatandstressed]

I am the headteacher of a local school. Each Saturday I take my kids to football, and stay to watch (DS is 4). Unfortunately 3/4 of the school attend sessions too. I just want to be a mum and watch my kids, but the parents of others seem to use the time as a chance to talk about their children- like a mini parents evening, asking me how their kids are achieving and whether they are above average or not. I have politely tried to say "sorry, I'm here to watch my kid, if you like I can see you on Monday etc' and now there is a group of parents who are campaigning against me saying I am unapproachable and unfriendly. To be clear, I don't mind chatting but just not about school issues. AIBU?

Thanks everyone for the advice. The campaigning is on another social media site. A friend of a friend was part of the group and told me what was being said on it about me. I would dearly love to ban those parents from anything I can, but won't unless I have proof. If I did it without having printed proof of what they were saying, I would just look like one of those arrogant unfair HTs that Lord it over their playgrounds. That's not why I do what I do!

There was similar that happened at the last school.

The parents were pulled in and told they were aware of the group and that they had a certain amount of time before staff were allowed to commence legal action in relation to defamatory statements. Easier to prove as the dozy idiots didnt realise it was easily accessible and they had a mole amongst their clique. So screenshots aplenty. Everything was pulled down by the end of the day and the group closed with no further action.

YANBU at all. The parents are being very unreasonable. I would continue doing what your doing - tell them you're there for your son, and that you can make an appointment to see them. Tell them you don't get to see your son play if they keep asking harassing you questions about their kids.

Can you ask your friend of a friend to screenshot what is being said and email it to you. If it was defamatory, you could ask the site to pull it down. I would ask my union for advice on dealing with social media posts.

I doubt that these parents can actually do much to harm you - they will look like total loons if they complained to the governing body or LEA that you won't discuss school matters outside of school!

Is it on one of those awful parent set up Facebook pages set up by the local busybody?

My children's old school used to have one of those. Used to run the head teacher down when they didn't like a rule or policy. Worst of all was one of the governors fanning the flames.

You are entitled to your privacy. Just
Carry on being polite and professional. Forget the local busybodies because for every parent who moans about you, there's probably Two thinking get a grip asshat about them.

I think it's a fine line between being friendly with parents but not being too available. I really don't think you should have to discuss their child's issues in your own time. At our school, our head keeps away from parents as much as he can. He isn't there at coming in time or going home time. At sports days, he even stays on the teachers and kids side of the track, and you never ever see him talking to parents. I'm not suggesting you do the same though.

Yanbu. You have a right to talk or to not
I hate when people chat to me when I don't want to chat! Not everyone wants to chat all the time.

Move football club.

Tell new parents you're an actuary

Watch them back away from you...

God YANBU, I'm a football mam so is one of DD's teachers.

Wouldn't dream of asking for school updates we usually stand and moan it's too hot/cold.