How to Handle an Angry Parent

If you’ve been in children’s ministry very long, you’ve dealt with an angry parent. If you’re just starting out in children’s ministry, don’t worry…your time is coming.

Sometimes, the parent will be upset with just cause. None of us or our ministries are perfect, and there will be times when we blow it. At other times, the parent’s information, perception, or reasoning will be misguided or off base.

Either way, the important thing is how you navigate the situation. It is important to respond instead of reacting. Your personality type or the kind of day you are having should not determine your response. Responding wisely is an acquired skill that can be learned.

Here are some tips on how to respond to an angry parent…

Remember that many times you are seeing the surface symptoms of deeper issues going on in their life. Hurt people hurt. People who are stressed can have a short fuse. The anger they are expressing toward you may not really be about you or the children’s ministry. You may be an outlet where they can vent their anger about a deeper issue. The mom who explodes at the check-in line may be a single mom who is trying to raise three preschoolers by herself. The dad who yells at a volunteer may have just lost his job and doesn’t know how he is going to take care of his family. Looking beyond the anger to see the hurt will help you enter the situation with empathy instead of defensiveness.

If you’re in a crowd, move to a private, quieter place. This helps alleviate some of the pressure that has built up. It also changes it from being a “scene” to a sensible discussion.

Lower the decibel level. If you’re like me, my human nature wants to respond by matching their tone or even overriding it. But that is not the wise thing to do. Remember Proverbs 15:1? It says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh response makes tempers flare.” If the parent is talking in a loud, angry tone or is even to the point of shouting, do not match their tone or decibel level. Instead, talk in a quieter, softer voice. It will eventually bring their level down as well.

Zip it up and listen up. Most of the time, the parent just wants to be heard. They want to know that you care and are genuinely interested in their concerns. Instead of arguing, let them know you are there to listen. And…don’t say what you are thinking. If they are way off base or misguided in their concerns, the temptation is to set them straight…to tell them off. But that will only widen the gap. Pride tells someone off. Humility listens.

Use silent pauses. As they vent, pause for a few seconds before you respond. This helps you lead by example instead of emotion. And if they are so angry that they are zoned out, this will also bring them back to Earth.

Use the word “let’s” instead of “you.” This technique is very effective in moving the situation from a battle to a collaboration.

Repeat back to them what they said. This will show that you listened and truly want to bring resolution.

Ask open-ended questions that they can respond “yes” to. The word “yes” has a calming effect.

Brainstorm options with them. Ask how they think the situation can be resolved. Again, this moves you from battling to collaboration. Leave the situation with action steps or possible solutions.

Thank them for their concerns. This shows you value them as a person.

Apologize even if it’s not your fault. Pride looks for an apology. Humility gives an apology. Pride looks for victory. Humility looks for resolution.

Follow up with them. Let them know about any steps that were taken to resolve the issue. At times, a card, flowers, or gift certificate is a great touch. Kindness dissolves conflict.

It’s never easy when anger suddenly surfaces. It takes patience and practice to handle it well.

What are some methods you use when responding to an angry parent?