I learned that it is particularly important to set clear guidelines that dictate the relationship I have with my students and the parents of my students. Coming from a small town and school, I know most parents of my students on a personal basis. Many times I have known the parents since before any of us had kids. Now the relationship has to change when I am teaching their kids. Sometimes it is better, sometimes you almost need to stop being friends in order to maintain the proper amount of professional relationship in school.
