Parent-Teacher Conferences: Talking with Your Child After the Conference

We’ve talked about how to get the most out of your Parent-Teacher Conference and how to share your concerns with your child’s teacher. Today’s tip will help you turn your Parent-Teacher Conference into a productive, supportive conversation to help your child be more successful:

Check in with your child after the Conference in a way that produces the least possible anxiety.

• Keep in mind that kids are often anxious about what teachers will say at their Parent-Teacher Conferences, even if they’re doing well. Do whatever you can to show that you, the teacher and your child are all on the same team, working together to help your child feel confident and be successful.
• If your child is struggling, consider how she feels and what the situation looks like from her perspective. Struggling isn’t fun for anyone, and kids express their concerns, disappointment and frustration in different ways. You know your child better than anyone – think about what might be going on in her mind before you decide how to go about the conversation.
• Always, always frame what you say in a way that shows your support and desire to help.
• Start off your conversation with something positive that the teacher shared with you during the Conference to help your child feel more at ease.
• Don’t pit student against the teacher. Avoid statements like, “Your teacher says that you haven’t been turning in assignments.” (Your child: “That’s not true! I have been!”) Instead, ask questions that give your child a chance to step up to tell you what’s going on: “How is homework this year? Have you been turning in all of your assignments?”
• Lay down the law. While you are your child’s partner in success, you are also the authority figure. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and keep checking in after this conversation to make sure improvements are really happening.

What do you want to talk to your child about after your Parent-Teacher Conference?