Parent-Teacher Conferences: A Guide for Parents

Everyone benefits when parents and teachers work together. For parents who had negative experiences during their own school days, however, the idea of walking into their child’s classroom can be anxiety producing. Here are a few tips to help you, and your child, get through parent-teacher conference season.

Before the conference:
Speak to your child: ensure that they know that you are attending a routine meeting that all families participate in. Assure them that as a parent you are seeking ways to help and support the child and that the conference provides a time for you to learn what they are learning about in the classroom. Ask them if there is anything that they think you should know before attending. What do they think are their strengths and areas of growth?

Make a list of questions to ask:
What areas is my child doing well in?
What areas can they grow in?
How do they interact with their peers?
Do they participate in class?
Do they seem happy throughout the day?
What can we do at home to support them?

During the conference:
Assume the teacher has your child’s best interest in mind. Everyone wants their child to be successful. Teachers will use conference time to report both positive feedback as well as areas your child can grow in. If the teacher reports “bad news” remember that they are probably nervous to do so. Respond calmly and ensure that the teacher knows you want to help solve the problem to see your child succeed.

Relax and be yourself

Ask your most important questions first (time goes quickly!)
Ask for explanations of anything you don’t understand; teachers forget that others don’t know the same professional terms and jargon as they do
If you disagree with a teacher, politely speak up so they know you have concerns
Ask for ways you can help your child at home
Thank the teacher and schedule a follow up meeting if needed

After the conference:

Speak to your child about the conference.
Talk about the positive points. This will encourage them to keep doing the things they are doing well.
Be direct about any problems you hear about. Be compassionate and let your child know that you want to help them plan so they can be successful and happy.
Tell your child of any plans you made with their teacher and be sure to follow up and follow through.

Parent-teacher conferences are an essential part of a child’s education, offering an invaluable chance for parents and teachers to collaborate and ensure the best possible educational experience. By following these steps, you can approach these conferences with confidence, strengthen your child’s relationship with teachers, and, most importantly, support their growth and development effectively.