How to Say ‘No’

[Sahm121]

New family wants to schedule a conference over the weekend to go over how dcb is adapting. We talk at pick up and drop off. Dck is adapting great actually. I’m exhausted. Im a full time student, a mom of 3 kids, and daycare. This weekend we have scouts tonight, scouts tomorrow (other kiddo), a birthday party, and a kids sports practice. Toss in about 10+ hours of homework. And I’ve love to sit down and talk to my DH… even if it’s 5 minutes, (which it won’t be, any phone conversation with them turns into 30+ Minutes), it’s MY family time.
i have had a rough week with IEP meeting at school and random medical things with my medically compromised child, so I’m stretched out thin and all I want is to sleep in tomorrow and not talk to anyone lol

how do I politely say that if they want to talk, they can schedule it during the 30 min break I get during the day (after my lunch)?
I don’t want to set the precedent that they can request times when im off the clock for the future and although I think it’s sweet they want to check in, they’re asking for me to do MORE work when I already have 45 hours working directly with kids plus countless hours after it ends…

[GirlMomma]

Seriously… they want to schedule a conference? 🤦🏻♀️ That’s like having a meeting that could’ve been an email. LOL

“Hi, Family! I’m far too busy with my own family this weekend to schedule a conference with you. I can tell you that your DCK is adapting very well and I don’t have any concerns this far. If you’d still like to schedule a conference, I’m free during nap time Tuesday at 1:30 after my lunch break. Thanks!”

or that but “…I don’t schedule conferences outside of my normal business hours…” and insert what I put above.

[e.j.]

I'd tell her, "Unfortunately, I won't have time to talk this weekend but I can talk _____ "(list time and date that works for you.

[Cat Herder]

I am required to at least twice per year (can be in person, virtual, email or text), but I control the flow and times. You are welcomed to copy/paste. Add the 30 minutes after your lunch.



Date: ___________
Dear Parents,
Parent-Teacher conferences are currently being scheduled for our preschool class. Together, we can look at what the children have already learned and establish some goals for the rest of the year.
I ask that siblings not enrolled not be present during the conference. The following appointment has been made for your Parent-Teacher Conference. Attached you will find a questionnaire, please fill out and return by _____________.
I ask that you make every effort to adjust your schedule to keep the appointment as listed below. If however, it is impossible for you to come at the appointed time, please notify me as soon as possible.
Please be prompt for your conference as I am hoping to accomplish our goals in the time allotted. If you do not feel that sufficient time was given to you for your conference, another appointment can be scheduled at a different time. Please return the lower portion of this letter along with your questionnaire. Thank you for your cooperation.
PARENT NAME: __________________________________________________ __
Date______________
Time____________________ to________________

Then they need to fill this out and return prior to the conference.

Parent-Teacher Conference Questionnaire
Form completed by: __________________________________________________ _____
Parent of: __________________________________________________ ______________
How would you describe your child in an overall sense? Any particular strengths or needs?
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
Are there any physical growth factors concerning your child that should be noted?
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
What can be said about the general social and emotional well-being of your child?
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________

Do you have any comments or questions about your child’s learning abilities?
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
Other comments or parent input that would be helpful:
__________________________________________________ _______ _______________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
CONFERENCE Date: _________________________________
Teacher notes for follow-up:
__________________________________________________ _______ _______________
__________________________________________________ ______________________
__________________________________________________ ______________________

[Annalee]

CH, I'm stealing this form.

[Snowmom]

Eek gad, no.
This job doesn't pay enough to leech into my private time.

If anyone would want to touch base, I'd tell them: I am available between the hours of 7:30-4:30, Monday through Friday. Feel free to reach out during that timeframe. If you need undivided attention, the best time to reach me is between 1-2:30 pm or you can send an email and I will be happy to review any concerns this way as well.