Ever felt like you’re walking on eggshells with a parent?
Maybe they storm in.
Raise their voice.
Question your judgement.
Or drop a comment that sticks in your head for days.
Other times, they’re less direct, but you still leave the conversation second-guessing every word.
You replay what you said.
You worry about how it landed.
And all the while, you’re trying to stay professional, calm — and get on with the rest of your day.
It’s exhausting! Afterall, you’re trying to do the best for their child and all the other pupils in your care.
You’re not imagining it.
Some parents are harder to deal with — and you’re the one holding the line.
But here’s the good news: you can keep things calm and keep your authority, without raising your voice or letting the conversation spiral.
There’s a phrase I teach heads all the time. It’s simple. It’s calm. And it protects your boundaries:
“When you… I feel… I would like…”
Try this:
“When you raise your voice, I feel angry. I’d like to feel like we can speak like two adults.”
Or:
“When you say things like ‘you’re not doing your job,’ I feel attacked. I’d like this to be a respectful conversation about how we can support your child within our means.”
It works because:
✅ It names the behaviour
✅ It expresses your response
✅ It sets the tone for what’s next
💡 Reframe: Boundaries aren’t defensive — they’re professional.
This isn’t about “winning” the conversation. It’s about leading it.
Here’s to calmer conversations and keeping your authority — without the drama.
With belief in you,
Sonia ❤️
P.S. If you’d like more phrases like this — and ways to lead difficult conversations well — you can sign up for my Weekly School Leadership Tips.