5 Costly Mistakes Schools Make That Spark Parent Conflicts—Avoid These!
5 Common Mistakes That Lead to Fights Between Schools and Parents—And How to Prevent Them
Introduction
Running a private school in Nigeria is rewarding, but it comes with challenges—especially when it comes to managing relationships with parents.
Parents want the best for their children, and any misunderstanding can escalate into a full-blown conflict. When parents are happy, they pay school fees on time, recommend your school to others, and support your policies. But when conflicts arise, they delay payments, complain, or even withdraw their children.
The good news? Most of these fights are preventable. With the right approach, you can build strong relationships with parents and create a peaceful learning environment.
Here are five common mistakes that cause conflicts between schools and parents—and how you can avoid them.
1. Unclear School Fees and Unexpected Extra Charges
The Problem:
Parents feel frustrated when they register their child with an agreed fee, only to later be hit with additional charges.
Imagine a parent expecting to pay ₦50,000 in school fees, but halfway through the term, you suddenly ask for an extra ₦20,000 for textbooks, uniforms, or excursions. They will feel deceived and cheated.
How to Avoid This Conflict:
✔️ Provide a clear, detailed breakdown of all school fees—including any extra charges—before a child is enrolled.
✔️ If extra costs arise later, communicate early and explain why the additional fee is necessary.
✔️ Avoid adding new charges in the middle of the term unless absolutely necessary. If you must, offer parents flexible payment options.
A good reputation for honesty in financial matters builds trust and keeps parents happy.
2. Withholding Report Cards Due to Unpaid Fees
The Problem:
Many schools refuse to give students their report cards if their parents owe school fees. While this seems like a good way to ensure payment, it often backfires.
Some parents become so angry that they refuse to pay at all or withdraw their children from the school entirely. Worse still, withholding results may embarrass and demoralize the child.
How to Avoid This Conflict:
✔️ Have a clear school fee payment policy that parents must sign before enrolling their children.
✔️ Send gentle reminders about unpaid fees throughout the term, not just at the end.
✔️ If a parent is struggling to pay, invite them for a private discussion instead of embarrassing their child.
✔️ Withholding report cards should be a last resort, used only when every other option has failed.
Your goal should be to encourage parents to pay, not to create resentment.
3. Poor Communication with Parents
The Problem:
Parents become upset when they feel left out or uninformed about school policies, changes, or their child’s progress.
For example:
- A child is punished, and the parent has no idea why.
- School policies change, but parents are not informed.
- Parents hear about school activities after they happen.
This can lead to unnecessary conflicts.
How to Avoid This Conflict:
✔️ Always communicate important updates—whether it’s a new rule, a policy change, or a disciplinary action.
✔️ If a child misbehaves, call the parent personally before taking serious action.
✔️ Use WhatsApp groups to keep parents informed, but never post personal information about a specific child in a group chat.
✔️ Organize regular parent-teacher meetings to discuss students’ progress.
A well-informed parent is a supportive parent. Keep them in the loop.
4. Mistreatment of Students
The Problem:
Parents will never tolerate their child being insulted, beaten excessively, or treated unfairly by a teacher. If a teacher crosses the line, parents may report the school to the authorities, withdraw their child, or take legal action.
How to Avoid This Conflict:
✔️ Train teachers on proper discipline methods—punishment should never come from anger.
✔️ No teacher should ever insult or humiliate a child in front of classmates.
✔️ If a child has behavioral issues, involve the parents instead of using excessive punishment.
✔️ Educate teachers on the Child Rights Act so they understand legal boundaries.
Respect and kindness go a long way in maintaining harmony between schools and parents.
5. Unfair Treatment of Parents
The Problem:
Nothing angers parents more than favoritism. If some parents receive special treatment while others are punished for the same behavior, conflict is inevitable.
For example:
- Some parents are allowed to bring their children late, while others are fined for tardiness.
- Some parents receive discounts or favors, while others are forced to pay full fees.
This breeds resentment and can damage your school’s reputation.
How to Avoid This Conflict:
✔️ Treat all parents fairly and equally—do not show favoritism.
✔️ If you make exceptions for a parent, be transparent about why.
✔️ Have clear rules that apply to everyone, and stick to them.
A school that treats all parents equally earns respect and trust.
Final Thoughts: Why You Must Avoid Conflicts with Parents
Conflicts between schools and parents can damage your school’s reputation, lead to loss of students, and create a stressful working environment.
But the good news? Most of these conflicts are preventable!
By being transparent with fees, communicating clearly, treating parents fairly, and ensuring teachers discipline students wisely, you can build a school where parents feel respected and valued.
Business Intelligence Tips for School Profitability
A peaceful school is a successful school!
Would you like to discuss how to implement better communication strategies in your school? Let’s talk in the comments!