Positive Parent-Teacher Communication Strategies

Positive parent-teacher communication strategies can make a powerful impact on your child’s academic journey. It can be challenging to find effective ways to connect with your child’s educator in a world of busy schedules and an ever-changing list of priorities.  It is important to acknowledge that as a guardian/parent of a child, your voice and partnership are crucial to their success.  Your observations, feedback, and ideas are essential to the partnerships that you have with the professionals who spend time with your child.  This is your green light to reach out if you have something on your mind.   

Proactive Communication

It is important to establish a relationship of trust at the beginning of the school year or when someone is beginning to work with your child.  Many times, a family and teacher need to speak to each other when something has already occurred, that either party is concerned about.  Some examples would be an unexpected grade on a report card, missing an assignment, or a learning or behavioral incident.  When this is the first touchpoint between parties, it can lead to frustration and stress.    

Open to Possibilities

Each child is unique and brings a wide array of strengths and needs.  Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that will completely “fix” the emotional, behavioral, or academic needs of your child.  Be open to a range of solutions while sharing your ideas and creating a plan from there.  For targeted, academic interventions, the goal is to try a new strategy, track progress over a set amount of time, and loop back as a team to discuss how effective the intervention has been.

Team Mindset

Approach your child’s educator as a partner who has your child’s best interest in mind.  Remember that disagreements are natural and expected between adults.  The success of a child should be the collective objective of all parties.  This involves no shame or blame of self or others but working as a team to name the criteria for success. 

Celebration and Gratitude

As we know, it can be incredibly powerful to give or receive a “thank you” that is from the heart.  When your child’s team is working hard and you are seeing results, express it.  Your child’s educators are grateful when families show up with communication, timeliness, and solutions.  The best reward is seeing the “wins” in your child.  Celebrate those “wins” together and let your child hear that positive feedback.  

The most effective educators understand that guardian/parent concerns are rooted in love and advocacy for their child.  You are the expert on knowing your child and your voice matters.  Reach out, ask questions, and practice proactive communication.  Your child will see this as love for them as they continue to grow.  

Written by Michelle Kim Palasek, SfL Clinician

Schedule a free phone consultation

You can schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our Educational Services. We will listen to your concerns, answer any questions, learn about the student’s needs, and help guide you through our new student intake process. Contact Us.