How do you deal with difficult parents who refuse to acknowledge their child as anything but special and normal? I teach piano to a globally developmentally delayed child (10 with the mind and faculties of a 4 year old). The parent absolutely refuses to acknowledge the fact that her child is clearly mentally handicapped, and refuses any lesson plans that are catered to her, under the assumption that I’m not being fair, or treating her as I would others. I’m at my wits end with this Parent.

Teaching in Real Life

It’s unfortunate.  Parents are still the boss.  This happens a lot at school too.

If you need to avoid the topic of the child’s exceptionality, you could discuss the idea of what’s fair and what’s equal with the parent instead.  Here’s a resource:

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Good luck!

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