School days often bring back fond memories for students—like recess, favorite teachers, or the excitement of annual celebrations. But for parents, school memories can look quite different. They're the ones dealing with fees, report cards, and the occasional unexpected teacher’s note.
That’s why, when a Redditor asked, "As a parent, what did your child's school do that made you say 'you can't be serious'?", the replies came pouring in. Parents shared some of the most bizarre and surprising school experiences, from head-scratching rules to truly unexpected decisions.
Keep reading to uncover these jaw-dropping stories. And don’t miss our insightful interview with Minakshi Pravin Walke, an award-winning ex-principal from the Indian Education Society’s school, who shares her take on modern education policies and challenges!
#1
My son was being physically bullied by another kid who apparently had issues. He informed the teachers and *nothing* happened. He came home very upset after a week of this and finally told me. That weekend I taught my son the basics of self defense and told him he had my full permission to flatten the bully if he tried it again.
Monday morning I went into the school with my son and told them that he will now be defending himself from a*****t as permitted by law. The school had a no hitting policy that apparently applied even if you were being hit by someone else. I warned them that this was actually illegal and against our countries legislation and that regardless of their policies my son would exercise his legal right to defend himself by punching the little creep in the face as hard as he could if the creep tried to start something.
Miraculously they were suddenly able to keep the bully under control and there were no further problems.
Monday morning I went into the school with my son and told them that he will now be defending himself from a*****t as permitted by law. The school had a no hitting policy that apparently applied even if you were being hit by someone else. I warned them that this was actually illegal and against our countries legislation and that regardless of their policies my son would exercise his legal right to defend himself by punching the little creep in the face as hard as he could if the creep tried to start something.
Miraculously they were suddenly able to keep the bully under control and there were no further problems.
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140points
#2
They punished my son for being bored and looking out the window by canceling his math instruction. He was in first grade and very advanced in math. He was always multiple grades ahead of his class. So he got special one on one math lessons. During normal math time with his class he would race through the work then look out the window. The teacher did not like this so she punished him one week with no special math instruction. Sent his county provided tutor home each day. He came home crying after no math for a week. Imagine a school punishing a student for being too smart. We had him in a new school for the rest of his education. He now has two chemistry degrees so things worked out.
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128points
#3
Hah, my grade school principal tried to convince me not to call my mother when I'd broken my arm on the monkey bars.
She was... upset about that.
Edit: Quote from my mom to my principal: "It infuriates me that you breathe the same air as I do.".
She was... upset about that.
Edit: Quote from my mom to my principal: "It infuriates me that you breathe the same air as I do.".
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113points
When you enroll in a school, there's a mix of excitement and anticipation about the new experiences awaiting you. But every school also comes with its own set of rules and regulations. As students, we may love or dislike them, but have you ever wondered what goes into creating these policies? We spoke to Minakshi, a principal from a government-aided school in Maharashtra, to get an insider’s perspective.
Minakshi, who has decades of experience, told Bored Panda, “The competition is fierce now.” She reflects on how times have changed. “Back in the day, families had at least two kids, and schools were thriving with large student populations. But today, there are fewer students compared to the number of schools available. And with so many options, including state boards, CBSE, and ICSE, the policies have to adapt to the competition.”
#4
There was set to be a really good solar eclipse in 2015 and despite the children all having safety viewing glasses, the school intended to keep the children in the hall to watch on TV instead. The eclipse was expected at 0930, so I asked could I take him to watch the eclipse and return him to school immediately after and they said no, it would be recorded as an unauthorised absence if I did. So, I did anyway. It was a once in a childhood educational opportunity that the school planned for them to miss. I took him to a nearby beach, where we were plunged into darkness. It was awesome. I took him to school straight afterwards and have not an ounce of regret. We've not had an eclipse like it since.
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113points
#5
My older daughter came home from elementary school frustrated because an answer on her quiz was marked as incorrect. She had answered that a tomato is a fruit. Which it is.
I wrote a note to her teacher to explain that, as it has seeds and grows from a flower, a tomato is actually a fruit.
Said teacher wrote a response that said something like, “While a tomato technically meets the definition of a fruit, because it is used like a vegetable, we are teaching the students that a tomato is a vegetable.”
We happened to be at the school a couple of weeks later for an unrelated function and I bumped into that teacher. “So,” I said, “what other complete falsehoods are you teaching my daughter?”
That teacher and I did not get along.
I wrote a note to her teacher to explain that, as it has seeds and grows from a flower, a tomato is actually a fruit.
Said teacher wrote a response that said something like, “While a tomato technically meets the definition of a fruit, because it is used like a vegetable, we are teaching the students that a tomato is a vegetable.”
We happened to be at the school a couple of weeks later for an unrelated function and I bumped into that teacher. “So,” I said, “what other complete falsehoods are you teaching my daughter?”
That teacher and I did not get along.
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106points
#6
Argued with me about sun safety.
More specifically my son wanted to wear long pants when he was supposed to wear shorts.
I let him wear them. They were the same as the shorts required, just long.
The vice principal called me to take me to task and told me that he couldn’t possibly get sun damage on his legs because the kids don’t stop moving.
I told her to cut it out, and that she knew that was b******t.
I live in Australia.
More specifically my son wanted to wear long pants when he was supposed to wear shorts.
I let him wear them. They were the same as the shorts required, just long.
The vice principal called me to take me to task and told me that he couldn’t possibly get sun damage on his legs because the kids don’t stop moving.
I told her to cut it out, and that she knew that was b******t.
I live in Australia.
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104points
She points out how exam patterns need constant updates. “For example, CBSE has incorporated objectives, oral exams, and internal assessments, which push state boards to evolve their methods as well. It’s about staying relevant and ensuring students are well-prepared for their future.”
Minakshi also touches on the changing dynamics between parents, teachers, and students. “Earlier, parents had immense trust in teachers and their discipline methods. But now, parents tend to interfere a lot. Even when the child is clearly in the wrong, we must exercise an extraordinary amount of patience. While some of these changes are for the better, excessive interference can hinder a child’s overall development.”
#7
My kids' elementary school issued a policy that the kid who, in an argument, delivered the last hit/blow would be punished. However, they did absolutely nothing about bullying, so often the kid "hitting" was a kid hitting back or defending themselves. So If someone punched my kid and my kid hit back, my kid would be punished.
Once a little girl in first grade was attacked by a much older boy. She was very much into martial arts and dislocated his shoulder in the fight. They called in her parents and wanted to start some disciplinarian action against the girl. The mother very clearly told them to cut the c**p, and if they failed to protect her daughter, she would make sure the girl could defend herself.
Once a little girl in first grade was attacked by a much older boy. She was very much into martial arts and dislocated his shoulder in the fight. They called in her parents and wanted to start some disciplinarian action against the girl. The mother very clearly told them to cut the c**p, and if they failed to protect her daughter, she would make sure the girl could defend herself.
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102points
#8
My kid caught a virus and was really sick. We ended up going to the er twice because we couldn't get his fever under control.. and then he developed spots that looked an awful lot like measles. The dr said it was a virus of "unknown origin" and told us to keep him home for at least two weeks as he was highly contagious. Immediately called the school and let them know. They said as long as we had his paperwork, it was fine. Kid finally got better and with a note from his pediatrician we were able to send him back after nearly 3 weeks. The school insisted on a note from the pediatrician showing he was no longer contagious before he could return to school, which made sense.
Fast forward to the end of the year, got a note that my 1st grader was being written up as truant and we had to go to a meeting with the school board, possibly face fines for not going to school and a threat to send the police to our home if we didn't go. We went to the meeting, armed with the paperwork. Showed them where the er and the pediatrician had both highlighted that my kid was highly contagious and needed to be kept home. The case manager told us that we should have sent him to school anyway. I was in complete disbelief and blurted out "you would rather i send my very sick, very contagious kid to school and get everyone else sick, than him stay home and get better?" Woman looked me straight in the eyes and said "Yes"
In the waiting room before the meeting we met another mom who was also there because her kid was being labeled truant and being threatened with fines. The child had been receiving once a week breathing treatments for severe asthma.. which was an ongoing condition the school was made aware of when the kid was enrolled and told her that as long as they had paperwork from the doctor, it wasn't an issue. Mom had the paperwork. The school board tried to fine her $250 and wanted her to go to a special meeting about how truant children are likely to fail in life.
It came out later the school board was accepting bribes for having high attendance rates so they would get more grants. Like.. these people were getting 100 grand a year for threatening families who had kids with legitimate health issues in elementary school. .
Fast forward to the end of the year, got a note that my 1st grader was being written up as truant and we had to go to a meeting with the school board, possibly face fines for not going to school and a threat to send the police to our home if we didn't go. We went to the meeting, armed with the paperwork. Showed them where the er and the pediatrician had both highlighted that my kid was highly contagious and needed to be kept home. The case manager told us that we should have sent him to school anyway. I was in complete disbelief and blurted out "you would rather i send my very sick, very contagious kid to school and get everyone else sick, than him stay home and get better?" Woman looked me straight in the eyes and said "Yes"
In the waiting room before the meeting we met another mom who was also there because her kid was being labeled truant and being threatened with fines. The child had been receiving once a week breathing treatments for severe asthma.. which was an ongoing condition the school was made aware of when the kid was enrolled and told her that as long as they had paperwork from the doctor, it wasn't an issue. Mom had the paperwork. The school board tried to fine her $250 and wanted her to go to a special meeting about how truant children are likely to fail in life.
It came out later the school board was accepting bribes for having high attendance rates so they would get more grants. Like.. these people were getting 100 grand a year for threatening families who had kids with legitimate health issues in elementary school. .
96points
#9
After we asked them to keep his diagnosis confidential, his teacher announced his illness to his entire class. We hadn't even told him yet.
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85points
She recalls a time when misbehaving students were sent to stand outside the class for reflection. “This helped them understand their actions. But now, parents often perceive this as a waste of time. This generational shift is evident not just in schools but also in how parents limit the involvement of grandparents in raising children,” she adds.
Minakshi’s tenure as a principal in a vernacular medium school highlighted other challenges. “We noticed a sharp decline in enrollment because parents were eager to send their children to English-medium schools, believing it would ensure better career prospects.” She conducted surveys to understand the mindset of parents and students. “Their focus was clear: they wanted their children to learn English to secure a brighter future.”
#10
School wouldn’t let my son carry his own ventolin inhaler for asthma; instead he needed to go to the administration office and ask for it (he was pretty good at knowing when he needed it).
Head office lady called and said his frequency of visits was increasing, that perhaps he was forming a habit and “should she still give it to him?”
Stunned silence…
“He needs it to breathe…so yes, please still give it to him” 😢.
Head office lady called and said his frequency of visits was increasing, that perhaps he was forming a habit and “should she still give it to him?”
Stunned silence…
“He needs it to breathe…so yes, please still give it to him” 😢.
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83points
#11
I was a teaching assistant in a preschool special education, primarily with kids with autism on all ends of the spectrum. They had a policy of us not being allowed to use the word "no" and in steady saying "not a choice" and instead offering choices. Okay, brilliant.
But there was an incident where a child wanted a toy another child was playing with. He started hitting him in the face and pushing him and trying to take the toy, and he was much bigger. I rushed over and said "No, stop!" I caught his hand and said "not a choice!" And redirected him to other toys.
The teacher scolded me for telling him no and getting hands on by catching his hands. I told her there is a time and place for the word no, and attacking another child needs immediate intervention. I am not going to reason and hope it works. I stood my ground on that one, but I spoke to both parents personally and they both thanked me for intervening.
But there was an incident where a child wanted a toy another child was playing with. He started hitting him in the face and pushing him and trying to take the toy, and he was much bigger. I rushed over and said "No, stop!" I caught his hand and said "not a choice!" And redirected him to other toys.
The teacher scolded me for telling him no and getting hands on by catching his hands. I told her there is a time and place for the word no, and attacking another child needs immediate intervention. I am not going to reason and hope it works. I stood my ground on that one, but I spoke to both parents personally and they both thanked me for intervening.
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81points
#12
They told me that her having head lice wasn’t a reason to keep her out of school……. And then I understood how she freaking got them.
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80points
To address this, she introduced an elective foreign language option in the vernacular school. “We wanted to give students access to a global language, which would enhance their opportunities. But it wasn’t easy. Parents resisted the idea, insisting on sticking to Sanskrit or Hindi.”
#13
They were upset we opted out of d**g education. My kid came home and told us that they were teaching them that if you ever take a pill that isn't prescribed to you, you'll get addicted. Because prescription d***s are expensive, you'll eventually turn to h****n because it's cheaper.
I went into the school and examined the curriculum and I kid you not, that is what it said. This was a charter school for K-12 and he was in middle school. They did not have a handle on it at all.
The kicker was that two weeks before that we'd attended the gut wrenching funeral of his close friend's uncle who had overdosed. Seeing the grief of the family was more d**g education than either of us needed.
The same school taught him that abstinence was the safest form of safe s*x but failed to define abstinence. He later asked me where in the d**g store you find it. 🙄 At that point we got a proper nurse/educator to intervene and reteach health. .
I went into the school and examined the curriculum and I kid you not, that is what it said. This was a charter school for K-12 and he was in middle school. They did not have a handle on it at all.
The kicker was that two weeks before that we'd attended the gut wrenching funeral of his close friend's uncle who had overdosed. Seeing the grief of the family was more d**g education than either of us needed.
The same school taught him that abstinence was the safest form of safe s*x but failed to define abstinence. He later asked me where in the d**g store you find it. 🙄 At that point we got a proper nurse/educator to intervene and reteach health. .
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78points
#14
My daughter and her friend told us that their woodworking teacher was being a creep hugging, touching and being inappropriate with the girls (students aged around 8-12) and that several girls were really uncomfortable during his classes. The teacher was telling the girls to ask him to stop touching them if they didn't want him to but when they dared to speak up he called them silly and melodramatic. Even the boys, who usually were really s****y to the girls, reacted to how differently this teacher acted around the girls compared to them and felt like something was seriously off.
The school counselor was supportive of the girls' claims and had been aware of the issue for some time but the principal called it a "he said she said" situation and that the teacher's explanation was that he was a physical and touchy person and COULDN'T HELP HIMSELF. Instead of dealing with the source of her discomfort the principal offered my daughter to switch to needlework leaving other girls not brave enough to speak up to fend for themselves in his classroom.
Needless to say we did not accept this "solution" and kept pressing the matter with higher ups and police and while my daughter has moved on to junior high now I'm happy to say the teacher is not teaching at that school anymore.
The school counselor was supportive of the girls' claims and had been aware of the issue for some time but the principal called it a "he said she said" situation and that the teacher's explanation was that he was a physical and touchy person and COULDN'T HELP HIMSELF. Instead of dealing with the source of her discomfort the principal offered my daughter to switch to needlework leaving other girls not brave enough to speak up to fend for themselves in his classroom.
Needless to say we did not accept this "solution" and kept pressing the matter with higher ups and police and while my daughter has moved on to junior high now I'm happy to say the teacher is not teaching at that school anymore.
76points
#15
Girls were no longer allowed to wear tight leggings because it was distracting to male teachers.
Yes.
Yes.
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73points
One particularly vocal parent even argued against the foreign language initiative. “I had to sit him down and explain the benefits,” Minakshi recalls. “It was a challenge, but I believed it was crucial to prepare students for a competitive world.”
#16
Not a parent, but my younger sisters’ elementary school banned the Nike “Just Do It” shirts because they were “suggestive.”
Suggestive about what and to whom??
Suggestive about what and to whom??
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68points
#17
That children weren't allowed to have a best friend.
If two kids got along too well, the teachers would intentionally separate them by switching desks, put them in different groups, not let them be partners on projects,.etc.
They would even mess with their recess and let one kid out on time and the second a minute or so late, hoping the first would start playing with other kids before the best friend came out.
If two kids got along too well, the teachers would intentionally separate them by switching desks, put them in different groups, not let them be partners on projects,.etc.
They would even mess with their recess and let one kid out on time and the second a minute or so late, hoping the first would start playing with other kids before the best friend came out.
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66points
#18
At the local high school dance, the assistant principal lifted female students skirts to ensure that their panties were not too skimpy. Because you know - thongs are immodest!
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65points
Determined to offer the best for her students, Minakshi researched courses in foreign languages. “At the time, Chinese language courses weren’t widely available. So, I found a German institute that provided qualified teachers for our school. Convincing the school management and the state board wasn’t easy, but I knew it was worth it.”
#19
Kids get three passes during the semester to use the bathroom. What are they supposed to do when they've used them up?
Mind you this is 5th grade when a lot of girls are starting their periods at inopportune times. Are they supposed to sit there bleeding?
I told my kids, get up and walk out if you really need to use the bathroom-and I'll deal with it later.
Mind you this is 5th grade when a lot of girls are starting their periods at inopportune times. Are they supposed to sit there bleeding?
I told my kids, get up and walk out if you really need to use the bathroom-and I'll deal with it later.
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65points
#20
Gave my brother an award for having a black parent....
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63points