CC getting burned out from complaints. Wants to quit Scouting all together

[Armymutt]

I've known our CC for a few years now, well before we even entered the troop.  She is looking more and more exhausted these days.  We got a couple of new families in and there have been complaints from them constantly.  Apparently, there are complaints from other parents too.  When did this become a thing?  When I was a kid, parents had minimal contact with the troop, unless they were registered.  She does a great job and I don't want her to quit.  Personally, I'm of the mindset that the CC doesn't have the responsibility to investigate any complaints.  It's not in the job description.  When I was the pack CC, and when my wife was before me, our policy was that complaints are only accepted from registered adults who actively participate.  Anything else was peripheral noise from people who don't really care about the program.  She had a parent who had been in the troop for all of 4 days screaming at her because of the cellphone thing.  She's too nice to tell the lady to pound sand and find a different unit.  I'd like to help her out.  Husband is the acting SM and we had a few discussions this weekend.  The kids are ok - we caught two of them in a pretty significant lie.  Another parent came with a complaint that her 12 y/o son saw an 11 y/o boy naked.  When I asked the 11 y/o, he reported that the 12 y/o peeked in the window of his tent while he was changing.  I was inclined to chalk it all up to little boys being little boys, but the mom of the 11 y/o, who was also willing to ignore it, is now cocked and ready to launch an attack on the 12 y/o's family.  I'm realizing that Scouting, like veterinary medicine, is fun until the parents get involved.

[DuctTape]

Perhaps it is time for National HQ to write a "Scout Parents Handbook" for us to give to each parent.

Certainly a few here who could write it.

[Tron]

Generally speaking in all non-profits when you complain you are really volunteering. There is certainly a nicer way to say it, but sometimes you just have to tell these mouthy parents that if they want change they need to step the-f-up or shut up. 

[DuctTape]

4 hours ago, Tron said:

Generally speaking in all non-profits when you complain you are really volunteering. There is certainly a nicer way to say it, but sometimes you just have to tell these mouthy parents that if they want change they need to step the-f-up or shut up. 

Agreed. Though often I do not want their "help" as they do not understand the program hence their complaints. 

[Tron]

I get that, but sometimes the only way they learn is through doing. 

[Eagle94-A1]

20 minutes ago, Tron said:

I get that, but sometimes the only way they learn is through doing. 

Not always. I have seen Scouters go through all the training, yet still want to do things their way because 'Scouting needs to change with the times." Others just go through the motions, and then focus on their child. When you try to explain things, and mentor them, you are accused of "mansplaining,"  "being a misogynist," or "you don't know my son."

[skeptic]

Guess I have heard "mansplaining" before, but it struck me this time and made me smile.  I suppose there is a related term, "womansplaining", though not sure that is possible.  😃

[scoutldr]

5 hours ago, Eagle94-A1 said:

Not always. I have seen Scouters go through all the training, yet still want to do things their way because 'Scouting needs to change with the times." Others just go through the motions, and then focus on their child. When you try to explain things, and mentor them, you are accused of "mansplaining,"  "being a misogynist," or "you don't know my son."

Like when I tried to reiterate that BSA policy (then) was single gender units, not full co-ed.  They responded, "we just do what works best for us."...I wondered what else "worked best"...ignoring YP policy...G2SS...safety afloat?  No wonder the BSA gets sued.