How to Survive a Parent and Teacher Meeting
Every parent wants their kids to perform exceptionally well at school and leave a good impression on their teachers. In order to ensure this, they have their kids complete their homework on time, study, dress neatly, get their kids to school on time, etc. It is not done until the parent-teacher meeting that the parents get to know just how far their efforts have been successful. Some parents have a hard time surviving parent-teacher meeting due to the fear that they may get to hear something undesirable about their child. However, this fear can be curbed by attending the meeting prepared, which involves talking to the child beforehand, writing down important things and question and then discussing them with the teachers.
Instructions
-
1
Before you set out to meet your child’s teachers, sit with him and ask him about his perception of his performance at school. Also ask him if he has any idea about what the teachers may say about him. Having a pre-meeting conversation with your child help you go to the meeting prepared. If your child complains about a teacher or some incident that may have recently taken place school, make a mental note to bring it up during your meeting with the teachers.
-
2
After you are done talking to your child, grab a pen and notepad and write down things that you feel you should discuss with your child’s teachers. If there are any questions about your child’s performance, or some habit that he has developed recently out of nowhere, add it to the list of things that you would be talking to the teachers about. Writing down everything is better than simply making a mental note of it so that you do not forget to address these issues.
-
3
Unless you have been called to your child’s school by the teachers, the school may be having a teacher-parent meeting week. A lot of parents will be attending the meeting and wanting to talk to the teachers, which is why it is important for you to be get to school on time.
-
4
When you finally get some time with your child’s teachers, start discussing the things that you have jotted down on the notepad. Also pay attention to whatever the teachers tell you. Do not cut them off too often. Instead, let them complete what they are saying and if there is something that you want them to elaborate or discuss further, do so after they are done talking. It is natural to feel a bit reserved during the first few minutes of the conversation with the teachers, but you will eventually loosen up. If there is something that you feel you should tell the teachers, do so. Just make sure you do not share stuff that is too private.
-
5
Sometimes, you may find it hard to control your emotions while talking with your child’s teachers, especially when they are pointing out the flaws in your child’s behavior and performance. Just make sure you do not let your emotions get the better of you. Keep calm and keep the conversation going.
-
6
After you have finished meeting the teachers and return home, call your child and hold a discussion with him about what you have learned from his teachers.
