Recently, there has been some discussion on disrespectful and even abusive parents at parent-teacher meetings (Stopping abusive behaviour at parent-teacher meetings, by Mr Eric J. Brooks, May 26; Strict discipline in schools led to better-behaved adults, by Mr Patrick Tan Keong Boon, May 29; Don't blame teachers for child's poor performance, by Madam Cathie Chew, May 29; and Parents, teachers must work together to help children, by Mr Syed Alwi Altahir, May 29).

However, for every rude and abusive parent, there is also a grateful and appreciative parent.

Having been a teacher before, I have experienced appreciative parents who showered praise on us as well as those who penned words of appreciation to us for Teachers' Day.

These are some of the intangible perks which help to keep teachers going in one of the most challenging of professions.

Teachers should keep their heads high and not be intimidated by the occasional disrespectful parent.

As Madam Chew rightly said, a student's attitude towards his studies plays a major role in his performance too. Both teacher and student must work together for their common goal.

While I agree that parents these days are generally more highly educated, leading to some of them being disrespectful or rude to teachers, I hope such parents are in the minority.

I hope that the majority of parents who are appreciative of teachers' efforts will keep the morale of teachers high.

Low Siew Hua (Ms)