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Home > Resource Center > Articles > November 2009 Dealing With Parents
November 2009 Dealing With Parents
Align Yourself with Parents for Positive Results!
Idea by Maralee, 6th Grade Teacher, Rancho Murieta, California:
Parents who learn their child is not progressing smoothly in school can quickly move into panic mode. Out of a sense of caring, fear, and/or embarrassment, parents can easily become defensive at the mere hint that something is not right.
To help parents relax as you discuss their child and his or her challenges together, it’s important that you begin any discussion with a sincere and positive observation. For example, you might say something like, "Your son Johnny has many friends; just the other day I pointed out to him how I’ve noticed he is always kind and considerate of others," Then move to any specific concerns you might have about Johnny.
When discussing concerns, avoid hazy generalizations that can overwhelm parents (e.g., "Johnny is weak in math") and instead stick to manageable specifics parents can address (e.g., "I do have some concerns about Johnny’s ability to recall math facts quickly"). Then offer some samples of the work or recorded observations of the behavior in question. Invite the parents to share their perspective (as they are sure to have a different, yet equally valid, take on their child) and work together for some solutions to try. Share some positive ideas you are going to try in class, as well as some ideas and resources parents can try at home. Close the meeting by agreeing to follow up on a mutually convenient date in the near future. This specific and helpful approach helps place you and the parents on the same side in your shared concern for Johnny and his progress.
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