"Our words have power. They impact others, but they also impact us." -Michael Hyatt
While it is true that actions speak far grander than words, we all possess the power to talk and utter words and sentences in the languages we have mastered. It is essential to remember that our terms can build up or tear down, and I think it's obvious which one we should focus on.
Knowing that we can work towards the greater good should encourage us to always speak with graciousness and avoid any phrases that may arouse conflict, or that may be accurate.
Nevertheless, at Superprof, we completely understand that various situations in life provoke us and cause us to say nasty things that we later regret; the worst is when personal matters are brought up or when friends and family are involved.
However, it is essential to state that our words can be tamed, and we can say the correct thing in specific situations if we are well-trained and acquire the excellent and necessary quality of self-control. Also, in certain circumstances, such as being critiqued by your boss or during a parent-teacher conference, knowing what to say and how to say it is of the utmost importance.
Consequently, without any further delay, in today's article, we shall consider some of the best things for both parents and teachers to say at a parent-teacher conference.
Why Are Parent-Teacher Conferences Essential
If you're a passive parent who doesn't spend too much time thinking about your child's academic needs, now is the time to change and play an active part!
But seriously, do I have to attend parents' evening for my child? We know parents' evening can sometimes be an exhausting experience, especially for those who work 40-60 hour weeks and want to get home and spend time with their children. Nevertheless, the importance of parent-teacher conferences cannot be refuted since it is essential for a student's academic growth.
The following are some essential reasons explaining why parents should attend teachers' conferences:
- Creates a Bridge Between Teachers and Parents: without frequent communication between parents and teachers, it is impossible to help students reach their academic goals. Teachers need to know a student's parents' identity since it will give them a previously unavailable angle.
- It Shows You Care: when teachers see their student's mothers or fathers at conferences, it makes them feel good since it demonstrates that they care about their well-being and education, even if they have only gone to complain!
Therefore, we suggest that at least one parent attends parents' evening to get an idea about overcoming difficulties in their child and have them soar to success. Also, sometimes parents bring their son or daughter with them to get to the bottom of a tricky situation; the choice is yours!
Read the following subheadings to determine what parents and teachers should say at a parent-teacher conference.
What the Mother or Father Should Say at Parents' Evening
"My parents are my backbone. Still are. They're the only group that will support you if you score zero or you score 40." -Kobe Bryant
As the late great Kobe Bryant stated above, parents are a child's biggest fans; they will do anything to see them succeed and reach their potential.
It is true that a parent's love is unparalleled and cannot be compared with anything else; however, at times, it seems that mothers and fathers can "over-love" their children and defend them at any cost. Even when their children are wrong and need correction from other authority figures such as teachers, parents play the blame game; this becomes quite difficult for educators who genuinely want the best for students.
Therefore, to prevent screaming fits and uncomfortable situations at parents' evening, we have provided the following list of things parents should say during parent-teacher conferences:
- DON'T Raise Your Voice and DO Speak Calmly: although teachers try their best to speak positively, some negative aspects of your child's work need to be worked on. Therefore, instead of being too defensive and refusing to accept the advice, speak calmly to find common ground and at all costs, DO NOT get upset and cause a scene. As a parent, it's not what you say to the educator but how you say that will leave a lasting impact. Remember, no good ever comes out of yelling at the teacher!
- Ask Questions: To understand your child's academic difficulties truly, the best thing to do is ask the teacher questions to see what is going on. Issues such as "In which areas can my child improve?" and "What can I do to help?" demonstrate to the instructor that you are dedicated to helping your child reach their academic goals.
- Mention Potential Problems: before hearing what the teacher has to say, it is sometimes best for parents to state some of the personal issues their child may be facing and why it has affected their academic performance. By discussing internal issues beforehand, teachers respond to the information provided. Also, instructors are dedicated to helping all their students, so they will, without a doubt, work with any issues that may arise.
- Comment the teacher: teachers are the most overworked and underpaid professionals. In today's world, being an academic instructor is even more difficult since children have many life problems. Therefore, parents should start by commending their teachers for their hard work and sleepless nights instead of criticising them for something that isn't their fault.
If mothers and fathers follow the previously mentioned things, they will be golden and make strong bonds with their child's instructor.
The Best Things for a Teacher to Mention During the Meeting
"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others." -Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Before we begin, if you're a teacher and reading this blog article, you deserve sincere and enthusiastic commendation for the hard work you do every day; applause!
Nonetheless, since we have just finished counselling parents about what should be said during parents' night, it is essential to realise that teachers need the same amount of advice to adequately prepare themselves for one of the most stressful nights of the year; if only it occurred just once a school year and not per semester!
Educators with experience are familiar with the gruelling experience of parent-teacher conferences and know what should be expressed and what should not be kept silent by all means. Also, since academic instructors are the first people parents blame when their children are not performing as well as they would like, teachers need advice on what they should say to angry parents.
Therefore, the following are the best things that a teacher should utter at parents' evening:
- Offer a Friendly Welcome: even the most furious parents can be won with a friendly smile and a polite greeting such as, 'How are you doing this evening?' Remember to stay positive initially and create a rapport with the parent before moving on to the significant issues. Also, don't forget that farewells are just as important and should be warm to leave a good impression.
- Mention the Positives: every parent likes to hear the good things that their child is doing; therefore, by starting with the outstanding achievements of a student, teachers put the parents at ease, making it easier to talk about serious matters later on. Talk about good test results, times when the student stood up for what was correct etc.
- Be Honest and Impartial: the last thing you want to do at a parent-teacher conference is blame other students and talk behind their backs, even if parents encourage you. Be partial and mention that you are uncomfortable talking negatively about others and instead wish to focus on their child's growth. By being honest about all matters from the beginning, parents will respect your worldview and not get involved in trivial things.
- Politely Discuss Areas of Improvement: since parents are always swift to through their responsibilities at the teacher and blame them, teachers need to have thick skin and be ready for all types of confrontation. Instead of contributing to a hostile environment, it is best to politely apologise for any inconveniences and request that the majority of the conversation be spent discussing the student's academic needs and how they can reach their potential. Discussing goals and letting the parent know that you will try anything to have their child succeed is highly recommended and should not be taken lightly by teachers.
- Offer Contact Information: to make parents feel better and that you care about their child's academic progress, offer your contact information so they can follow up and see how things are going. This establishes a good rapport and ensures that student goals are met.
By being well-prepared and processing the previously mentioned things to say, teachers become skilled masters at handling stressful situations during parents' evenings.
In conclusion, we hope that teachers and parents have appreciated the advice in today's article towards peaceful relations that will strengthen their bond and contribute to a positive learning environment for the student/child.
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