Don’t Be THAT Parent

I work as a camp counselor at a day camp, and after several warnings, I have to restrict a camper’s participation in regular activities for punching and kicking other campers.

The camper’s mom comes to drop him off the next morning.

Mom: “Hi. Why did you exclude my son from playing with his friends yesterday?”

Me: “Ah, I believe we phoned home and spoke with your husband about this. [Camper] continued to kick other campers, so for their safety, I had him sit out from some of the activities. It’s protocol.”

Mom: “My son would never do that! I think you’re just picking on him.”

Me: “Ma’am, the other campers have bruises.”

Mom: “He wasn’t allowed to go swimming! You let him sit in the hot sun! You abused my child!”

Me: “He was in the shade and had plenty of water. I followed all procedures.”

Mom: “I shell out hundreds of dollars to this place so my kid can have fun with his friends! You’re a liar! I pay your salary, young lady! Go apologize to my son!”

Me: “If you have a problem with my job performance, you can speak with my supervisor. She’s in the camp office just around the corner.”

Mom: “I will! You can say goodbye to your employment after this! I hope you weren’t planning on paying for university with your salary because I might just sue you after this, too!”

Me: “All right, ma’am. I have campers to watch. Please direct your complaints to my boss.”

The mom storms off to the camp office. Little does she know that my supervisor does not put up with bulls*** from entitled parents. Fifteen minutes later, I get a call on my walkie to speak to my supervisor at the camp office. I leave my campers with a backup counselor and head over to the office.

Me: “Hi. Is this about [Camper]’s Mom? Did I do anything wrong?”

Supervisor: “I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I’ve terminated [Camper]’s enrollment in the camp so you won’t have to worry about him anymore. I also told his mom that if she ever tries to harass one of the employees again, she’ll be leaving in a police cruiser. Also, I made banana bread. Want some?”

This story is part of our July 2020 Roundup – the best stories of the month!

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