Prompt
Imagine I am the parent of a 9-year-old at the day camp where you are a counselor. This afternoon my son wandered away from your group for about 15 minutes before you found him, unharmed. Your director told you she would handle telling parents, but she has not, and I have just arrived for pickup and asked you how his day went. Pretend I am that parent. What would you say to me?
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After you practice: what this question tests and how to approach it
What this question tests
- Communication
- Professionalism and integrity
- Empathy and compassion
How to approach this question
This role-play question tests whether you'll be honest with a parent about a lapse in your care for their child when your supervisor has said she'll handle it. Name the people involved: the boy, his parent, who has a right to know what happened, your director, and you. Recognize that saying the day went well would mislead the parent by omission, even though he's unharmed. Think about how you'd tell the parent clearly and early in the conversation, take responsibility without blaming the boy or your director, and explain what you've done to keep it from happening again. Expect the parent to be upset, and plan to listen rather than defend yourself. Then say how you'd follow up with your director afterward.
More on honesty and disclosure of error
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