As a teacher, I don't want presents from my students. What can I do when gift-givers persist?
Your no-gift policy is a good one. It seems like the best way to avoid turning the teacher gift into yet another parental duty, and to avoid any possible perception of unfairness. Maybe I'm too trusting, but I suspect that possible conflict hasn't occurred to most of the gift-giving families. Though it's conceivable that some insane parents would try to bribe a third-grade teacher, they're likely just trying to thank you for your hard work.
Nonetheless, there you are, trying to decide whether Chloe's spelling test brings her average up to A-, when Chloe's mom slips you a box of homemade cookies! How can you make a fair decision under the influence of baked goods?
Having warned families of your no-gift policy, it does seem unpleasant to confront them over the few gifts that trickle in anyway. If you think you're capable of ignoring the renegade gift givers until you've filled out report cards, then calmly say thanks, put the gifts aside, and go about your business. If Chloe earns a C despite her parents' generosity, so goes it.
If you do fear gifts might affect your judgment, on the other hand, there's a simple fix for next year. Tell parents the following: "Please note that I don't accept gifts. If you send a gift with your child, I will be forced to dock his or her grade." Rest assured, you'll be baking your own cookies for the foreseeable future.
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Not sure whom to tip? How to split the check? Or how to tell your parents you'd prefer money to another Christmas-tree sweater this year? Email your questions about money and etiquette to awkwarddollar@bundle.com, or submit via BundleHQ.tumblr.com/submit.
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