Want Your Kid’s Teacher to Like You? Avoid These 10 Mistakes (From Teachers Who’ve Seen It All)

By Caitlin & Jenny (Former Classroom Teachers, Current “Oh Honey No” Enthusiasts)

Another school year is nearly here, and that means a few things:

1. School supply lists are coming

2. You need to put away a whole paycheck for said school supply lists

3. We're giving you tips to help you avoid becoming that parent.

Keep reading for the tips!

Listen Here

10 Things We’d NEVER Do to Our Kids' Teachers (AKA Big Parent Mistakes)

The education triad—you, your child, and their teachers—works best when no one’s side-eyeing each other over mystery cupcakes or 9 PM emails.  Avoid these big parent mistakes to keep teachers on your good side.

As former educators, we’re handing you the cheat sheet we wish every parent had. Bookmark this for the next time you’re tempted to believe “My child would never…” (because they absolutely would).

10. ✂️ Buy the Wrong School Supplies

“But the blue notebooks were on sale!”

Why it matters: Those specific items help teachers manage chaos (ever seen 24 kids fighting over the last glue stick?).

Pro tip: If you screw up? Just communicate! A quick “We’ll send the right ones by Friday!” saves everyone’s sanity.

9. 🧁 Assume Birthday Treats Are Welcome

“Surprise! Here’s an unlabeled peanut butter cake during state testing!”

Nightmare scenarios: Allergies, messes, or that one kid who gets frosting on the Chromebooks.

Do this instead: Email the teacher a week early: “Can we celebrate with pre-packaged Oreos at 2 PM?”

Listen to the episode for horror stories from Caitlin and Jenny.

8. 📚 Believe the “I Did My Homework” Lie

“My child swore they finished it… on the bus… which caught fire…”

Reality check: Ask to see the work (even if it’s crumpled in the abyss of their backpack).

Bonus: Check the online grade book weekly. No more “I didn’t know!” meltdowns.

Your mantra for the school year: Show me before screens.

7. 📧 Email After 6 PM (Without a Disclaimer)

Actual message I received at 11:02 PM:

URGENT: Why isn’t my child’s poster on the class bulletin board??

Um... because I haven't graded any of them yet?

Teacher POV: After-hours emails feel like a doorbell ring at midnight.

Fix: Use email scheduling or add “No rush—whenever you’re back at work!"

6. 🗓️ Request a Vague Conference

"Can we talk about {name}?" [No details provided]

Translation: “Enjoy your anxiety spiral, Ms. Smith!”

If you've ever gotten a "Stop by my office on your way in tomorrow" memo from your boss, you know the anxiety that can bring. The same goes for those unscheduled (read: not school-wide) "call me" and conference requests.

Do this instead: Send 2-3 specific questions (“How’s his focus during group work?”) so teachers can prep.

*Note: This does not apply to those conference dates that are set aside by the school. This is for meetings that you request outside of those dates.

5. 🚗 Ambush Teachers in the Pickup Line

“Quick Q: Why is my kid failing science? [Engine running]”

Why it’s a no: Teachers are off-classroom-duty and legally can’t discuss your child in a public space. Plus, we're not

Better: Schedule a real meeting (with snacks, if you’re feeling fancy). And see tip 6.

4. 📜 Ignore Emails/Documents

“Oops, missed the permission slip… and the field day notice… and the actual report card.”

Hot take: If you don’t read teacher emails, don’t be shocked when you’re out of the loop.

3. 👑 Email (or CC) the Principal Before Going to the Teacher

“FYI, Principal Johnson: My angel would never cut another child's hair!!”

Your new (instant) reputation: That Parent (and yes, teachers warn the others about you).

Rule of thumb: Teacher first → Admin only if unresolved.

2. 🚪 Skip the Office for Early Pickup

“I'll just have Little Bobby-Sue meet me outside the gym doors for that ortho appointment…”

THIS IS A SAFETY RISK.

You can't hold your child's school, administration, and staff accountable for your student's safety while simultaneously ignoring policies designed to keep your child safe. Go through the office. Always. Better to be 10 minutes late to the appointment than on the school's "ugh" list for the rest of the year.

1. 🎭 Say “My Child Would Never”

“My precious little angel-baby would never lie/cheat/throw a chair!”

Truth bomb: All kids test boundaries—even yours. Believe the adults.

💡 Pro Tips for Extra Credit:

• Birthdays: Offer to donate a book to the class instead of sweets.

• Homework: Give teachers time to update grades for turned-in assignments. Don't panic about the missing grade right away.

• Gratitude: A “Thanks for dealing with our chaos” note goes miles.

Teachers/parents—what’s your number 1 “Oh honey, no” moment? Tell us in the comments! 👇

💚,

Caitlin & Jenny