The Secret To Positive Parent Interactions

It is not a secret that parents are sometimes not the easiest people to get along with or understand. They come in all shapes and sizes, all races and cultures. So is there any wonder why teachers and parents sometimes hit a bump as they together travel down the proverbial path called education. Everyone involved in the educational process must be reminded that each is looking at their concerns from a different vantage point and although neither is wrong, they are often different.

Teachers know the dynamics of education, educating, child development and working with children. Parents know the dynamics of love, compassion, advocating for their child and protection. Where is the happy median? The happy median lies in educating one another.

There has long been a need for parents to understand how to "do" school. It's really like the old adage about raising children...if only they came with an instruction booklet. Remember parents don't get an instruction booklet on how to understand the dynamics of educating their children either. They are often caught up in earning a living or just surviving from day to day. This is no excuse but remember there are three sides to every vision; the teacher's side, the parent's side and the truth.

If it is the goal of the teacher and school district to truly commit to positive interactions then educating parents should be a primary goal. Educators are serving the public and the public can be a challenge, but offer your services without a sense of attitude and remember your best is good enough.

Teachers will never be able to please every parent and parents will never be able to please every teacher. Both parents and teachers must begin their communication effort with mutual respect and an open ear; and follow these tips to develop and maintain positive parent interactions:

- Before a situation escalates, move quickly to let parents know of the issue. Make a phone call, email, fax, just get the information to the parent immediately.

- Listen to your parents and don't be quick to judge. The more you listen, the more you learn. My advice is so eloquently conveyed in this little poem. "There once was an old owl who lived in an oak, the more she heard, the less she spoke, the less she spoke the more she heard, so why not be like that wise old bird."

- You must always act in a respectful, responsible and tactful manner. Anger is not an option.

- Disagreement comes about because of the inability to communicate clearly and effectively. Say what you mean, don't beat around the bush.

- Avoid being negative and fault finding. Encourage and motivate in a good way

- Do not react to anger. Less is more, end the conversation or take a break and never meet with an angry parent alone.

- An aggravated parent who protest your every comment is often masking another issue and may in fact be frustrated by the issue or their child's inability to achieve

- Don't throw your hands up in disgust, have problem-solving strategies ready to present to parents.

- Choose your words carefully and refrain from saying the first thing that comes to mind.

Organization is the key to addressing both academic and behavioral concerns. Always have your grade book, the student's portfolio and any notes taken about behavioral concerns. If attendance is a problem, have solutions ready that might remedy the issue. It is import to exhibit compassion and empathy when talking to parents and know that this too shall pass.

Parents want the best for their child and they often verbalize it in the most inappropriate manner; don't take what parents say personally, know that a lot of what is said is based on emotion and frustration. Remember at the beginning of the school year put all your cards on the table and give parents as much information as possible about your expectations so there will be few surprises once the school years begins.

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About Detra Davis

Detra D. Davis is a certified Parent Educator with the North Carolina Parent Network and has been a writer for over 25 years. Visit her website http://www.supportingourchildren.com, a membership site supporting parents, schools, parent organizations and support groups that encourage parent education and parent involvement.

customer_support@supportingourchildren.com


And here is another random article you might be interested in...

Choosing an Intimate Conference Venue

So you're looking for a conference venue? Not the size of the Taj Mahal, but something just as impressive. A venue with the right amount of space, flexible catering, including accommodation and the right facilities.

This is where the elegance, style and the intimate nature of an independently owned hotel works well as a conference venue. These venues add their unique character and extraordinary service to your event. Finding the perfect environment sets the necessary tone, playing an important part in achieving your desired outcome.

Whether you're hosting a meeting, conference, workshop, training course or social occasion here are a few things to look for in a hotel venue.

Space

Does the hotel have the space you require? Whether the focus of your event is a meeting, banquet or an exhibit, space can be the a factor that is usually underestimated.

Avoid hiring a venue that is big enough to seat 200 when you're only hosting a 20-person meeting. You only want to consider venues that can handle the event you're planning. It is advisable to schedule a visit with your potential host prior to the event ensuring the venue meets your space requirements.

In the case of an event where the number of guests is uncertain, make sure there are sufficient break-away rooms to avoid congestion.

Catering

Bear in mind that catering needs to meet the special dietary requirements of your guests. Hotels have a flexible menu and unlike a catering company, the kitchen is at hand when you need it.

Conference Styles

Check to see if the hotel can host various conference styles including a theatre for presentations, a classroom with a blackboard, a reception area and of course a boardroom.

Location

Find a centrally located venue, close to stations and some of the areas main attractions as well as being within easy reach of the airport. With easy access by rail, tube or road, your guests will arrive for your event in good time and ready for the day you have planned.

Equipment

Small details like air-conditioning make a huge difference. It helps a great deal if the hotel is equipped with latest audio-visual facilities, this way you can avoid lugging around your own equipment or having to rent from a supplier.

Another thing to check for is high-speed Internet or wireless Internet.

Accommodation

The one drawback with venues like convention or conference centres, is that you would need to use a nearby hotel for accommodation. If your event is extended by more than one day, a hotel becomes rather convenient. Depending on the number of guests, most hotels will provide a discount on accommodation.

The hallmark of an independently owned hotel is the unique ambience provided by the venue. Staging an event in the right setting is conducive to a receptive audience. The wrong venue, whether inappropriately large, under serviced or under equipped, can have undesirable results.

Consider one of your local hotels the next time you host an event.

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About Gregory Hudson

Gregory Hudson

The Draycott is a five star London hotel near Harrods, replete with luxurious finishes and grand interiors. Centrally located in London, the Draycott Hotel (http://draycotthotel.co.uk/Conference-london.asp) has played host to a variety of corporate events.