Lærer-foreldre-relasjoner under press

Abstract

The topic for this article is the relationship between teachers and parents. From parents’ point of view
relations to teachers may sometimes be experienced as difficult. At the same time, relating to parents
may be experienced as demanding and challenging for teachers, and may influence their experiences
with and their understanding of their own profession as teachers. This may even influence teachers’
inclination to remain in their jobs or leave the profession altogether. In this article the teacher-parent
relationship is discussed through highlighting some topics that may represent challenges for this
relation. Trust is emphasised as an important foundation for a good relationship between teachers and
parents. Social and cultural differences that are activated in the encounters between the educational
system and parents may challenge this foundation. Changing expectations and demands from parents
when it comes to school and teachers may work as an increased pressure for the teaching profession.