Advocates always encourage parents who disagree to disagree
without being disagreeable. There are things that you can do or say that will
help the disagreement be resolved. For example, you can choose your battles
(not everything is worth disagreeing about) and you can take responsibility for
your part of the disagreement.
What tips can you share about resolving
disagreements without being disagreeable?
I like to use the phrase " looks like we can agree to disagree". I then ask " is there a way we can come to an agreeement? This let's the other person know that you recognize that you have different viewpoints, but are still wanting to work with them. Hopefully, this approach will result in a compromise that both parties are happy with and you keep the relationship intact.
ReplyDeleteDon't wait until you are no longer communicating! Don't be afraid to say that you disagree with something. It's okay to disagree but you just need to look at what options are available. As parents we don't always know what those options are and count on the school to let us know what they are. If we don't ask, they might not offer them.
ReplyDeleteI find it helpful in IEP meetings when school staff makes statements to clarify if the statement is based on data about my child or is this just an opinion of the school staff.
ReplyDeleteThen if it’s just an opinion, I am never surprised if I do not always agree with their opinion, then I have no hesitation with having a different opinion.
While if there is data to support the statement, then I consider that a more accurate statement about my child.