Ask Kari: My daughter’s teacher over-shares details of her personal life with her students — should I confront her?
Dear Kari,
My teenage child has been telling me recently that her teacher at her high school over-shares her personal information (who she went out on a date with and what happened on the date, what she fights about with her family, and what she talks about in her weekly therapy sessions with her counselor). My daughter told me at first it was interesting, even shocking, but now she feels uncomfortable. What do you think I should do, confront her?--Concerned Mama
Dear Concerned Mama,
I would email the teacher and gently ask her if what your daughter is telling you is the complete story. If true, I would also mention that her over-sharing could possibly make some of her students uncomfortable, as they hold her in a leadership role. I am guessing that the teacher is potentially lonely and does not realize the scope of sharing that she is doing with her students. Hopefully your gentle email will resolve the issue and the teacher will respond appropriately, meaning thank you for your input and everyone can move on. Good luck.
–Kari
About Kari:
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the owner and Clinical Director of Issaquah Highlands Counseling Group (IHCG), which is now Kari O’Neill Counseling.
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