How do we show parents that educators are concerned about their child as well?
The solution is not getting educators to spend a crazy amount of time with parents and create get-to-know each other gatherings. Parents will question the amount of time for educator’s ability to spend free time with them and not focusing on investing into their children.
According to Susan (n.d.), a well-accepted strategy to communicate with parents is through phone calls. This does not refer to just phone calls to parents only when the child is in trouble. Educators have every right to catch opportunities of children doing well and give compliments of those moments. Hence, they can convey this compliment to parents through a phone call. By doing so, it does not just tell parents how their child is performing in class but also how much the educator has paid attention to the child.
For parents they are not as receptive or are pretty busy, educators can drop a text regarding how well the child has perform. These small steps of calling and texting help foster a mutual understanding that both the educator and the parent wish good for the child (Gustafson, 1998). However, it is important to note that educators should not be quick to try to win the parents favor.
All compliments should be rooted with truth. This is so as in the long run, parents can also determine whether those compliments are shown in the child back at home. With commitment and consistency, trust is form with the parent when the educator is truthful and respectful in treating their child.
This encourages a healthy and positive relationship with the parent (Love, 1996). In an optimistic atmosphere, parents will be more likely to listen to educators when issues occur in school. Also, allow and create opportunities for future collaborations with supportive parents too (Ramirez, 2002).
References
Gustafson, C. (1998). Phone home. Educational Leadership, 56(2), 31-32.
Love, F. E. (1996). Communicating with parents: What beginning teachers can do. College Student Journal, 30(4), 440-444.
Susan, G. (n.d.). Communicating with Parents: Strategies for Teachers. Retrieved September 1, 2014, from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ794819.pdf
Ramirez, A. Y. (2002). How parents are portrayed among educators.The School Community Journal, 12(2), 51-61.