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While children can be difficult at times, there are also instances when interacting with parents may be just as challenging. Let us therefore take a look at seven professional suggestions to employ so that a compromise can be reached in no time at all.
1. Keep Parents Appraised
No one enjoys surprises and this is even more relevant when discussing the performance of a child. It is therefore wise to keep parents updated at all times so that they can appreciate how their little ones are performing. This can also help to avoid an unexpected conflict along the way.
2. The Personal Touch
Another important strategy involves the usefulness of face-to-face meetings. These sessions will help to clarify misunderstandings while enabling parents to constructively express any misgivings that they may have. Meetings are also excellent ways for teachers to avoid long and drawn-out communications that have become commonplace within emails; saving time and aggravation.
3. Common Ground
Finding things that you share with the parent is yet another way to avoid any type of conflict. Indeed, this is nothing more than basic psychology. Two parties who can agree upon even the most basic of subjects will be able to construct a solid foundation for future conversation.
4. Back Up Your Observations
There are times when a parent might disagree with a classroom assessment. In this case, it is prudent to provide evidence in regard to your observations. Modern technology now allows teachers to track, analyse and record the performance of students within educational settings. These will help to reinforce your position and in many cases, even change the opinion of the parent. The software for tracking for EYFS here provides an example of what utilities can be leveraged.
5. Take a Passive Approach on Occasion
One of the reasons why parent-teacher issues may develop involves feelings that one party is not listening to the other. This is why it is important to hear what the parent has to say and to avoid jumping to any conclusions before their perspective has been made clear. You can then address these issues in a proactive and yet assertive manner.
6. Employ a Mediator
In the event that a parent has already filed some type of complaint, most experts recommend involving a third party when conducting any type of formal discussion. Whether this is a principal or a school administrator, this tactic will help to ensure that an objective perspective is achieved.
7. Know When to Say When
Unfortunately, there may still be times when a parent simply refuses to drop the subject. If you feel that all avenues have been explored, it is generally better to quell the issue by terminating the conversation for the time being. Further communication can thereafter take place once a bit of “breathing room” has been established.
These seven tactics can work wonders when dealing with a challenging parent, so feel free to refer back to this article when needed.
