When the need arises to talk with your child's teacher, scout leader, or any other adult with whom your child interacts a well thought out approach works best. The dedicated staff at Horizon Education Centers works to “get it right.” Whether it is a problem or a concern, you have to keep your child's best interests in mind. Athens Parent Online offered some suggestions:
"Calm down and pinpoint the problem."
If your child is hurt, upset, or not doing well in school, your first reaction may be highly charged. If you can take a deep breath and figure out exactly what is the issue, you will be able to communicate effectively.
"Imagine some possible solutions to the problem."
You will likely get a better response if your approach is solution-oriented. This is true even if you are fairly certain that the adult you need to speak to is at fault.
You will likely get a better response if your approach is solution-oriented. This is true even if you are fairly certain that the adult you need to speak to is at fault.
"Prepare a list of questions you would like answered."
Athens Parent Online advises that you avoid questions that sound like accusations.
"Schedule the meeting."
Be certain to let the other person know what you would like to discuss and give an estimate of how much time you think the discussion will take.
"Begin on a positively."
Even if you know you and the other adult in your child's life will likely disagree, set a respectful tone for the meeting. If nothing else, you can thank the other person for making the time to meet with you.
"Strive to end cordially."
This can be a challenge. Athens Parent Online says, "Even if you and your child's teacher cannot agree on a plan of action, strive to end the meeting cordially. You do not have to be insincere to do this, just sensitive to the feelings of others. If you totally disagree with the teacher's position, politely tell him so, inform him of your intended course of action, and thank him for meeting with you.”