Parent Communication

Have you ever had a student who repeatedly expresses discomfort or alarm? Lars was one of those kids. He was hungry for attention. And being an exceptionally bright child, Lars quickly learned that the prospect of a broken body part got him the attention he wanted. First, he had a finger that he felt was surely broken. Next, it was a toe, then an arm, and so on. I did my best to recognize Lars in positive ways, yet his antics continued. A first-aid process quickly developed that included ice and elevation. Mom or Dad was informed. After a few unneeded visits to the doctor, Lars began returning to the classroom after each incident.

Flash forward to the end of the school year. My class and I were at a public park. Lars believed he had broken his ankle. I had ice. There was a park bench. Lars appeared to quickly recover, so the picnic proceeded. Only later that day did I learn that Lars had indeed broken his ankle! I felt terrible.

Thankfully, through my communications with Lars’s parents, I had established a foundation of trust and respect. His parents reassured me that, given Lars’s history, they would not have canceled the picnic. But let me assure you, I have never forgotten the value of forming positive parent relationships!

How are your parent relationships coming along?

Thoughtfully,
Diane


2 thoughts on “Parent Communication

  1. I live and work in a small community of 300…everyone knows everyone. This is the first year in 4 years that I have not looped with my students and have all “new to me” kids. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the kids and their parents better. Five of my 12 kids are siblings from parents that I’ve already gotten to know very well and of my twelve students, there are three sets of siblings. So, I only have 9 parent units and only 5 are “new to me” as parents of children in my class. I’ve found the number one way to begin a relationship with parents are to send them digital pictures of their kids…breaks the ice, builds a positive foundation, and lets me start with positives! I also text funny, engaging, or deep lines or comments that kids make in class. All in all, the parents in the community know me and I make sure that I’m available to them and let them know that there child is special to me as they all are.

  2. I have great Parents this year. I am fostering a positive relationship with them by sending lots of little notes on how their child did today. Just making time to talk with them more and sending emails.
    I have always found that if I make a effort to be friendly and open to Parents it makes my year easier.
    Besides its about the kids good parent/teacher relationships makes things better for the kids.

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