How To Make Working With Parents the Easiest Part of Your Job

These 10 strategies really work.

How to Make Working With Parents The Easiest Part of Your Job

Working with parents is at the top of the list of teacher stressors. And boy, do we get it. Sometimes it feels like if you could take the adults out of the equation, teaching would be a walk in the park. But working with parents doesn’t have to be such a mental battlefield.

Below, you’ll find strategies to help you with the most difficult parts of working with parents, so that you can focus on what matters most.

1. Start with the basics

Doing these simple things can go a long way toward smoother parent-teacher relationships.

11 Teacher-Tested Ways to Make Your Classroom Parents Adore You

 

2. Use technology to connect

We love these apps for growing parent engagement.

5-apps-that-engage-parents-in-the-classroom

 

3. Understand where parents are coming from

Perspective is everything.

https://www.weareteachers.com/i-used-to-think-my-students-parents-just-didnt-care-i-was-wrong/

 

4. Pay attention to sensitivities

Because when you show that you care, you build trust.

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https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/parents-children-with-special-needs/#.WaRXRJOGO7Y

 

5. Be inclusive

Avoid tuning anyone out with these ideas.

50 Tips and Tricks to Facilitating a More Inclusive Classroom

 

6. Nurture parent involvement

Sometimes it takes a little creative thinking to get families involved.

https://www.weareteachers.com/best-of-teacher-helpline-how-can-i-grow-parent-involvement-in-my-class/

 

7. Focus on relationships

Discover the most common roadblocks to connecting with families.

https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/build-positive-parent-relationships/

 

8. Handle strong emotions with care

Chances are, you can get to a place of mutual understanding.

How to Respond to an Angry Message From a Parent

 

9. Avoid the “he said, she said” battle

Nothing good ever comes of it.

https://www.weareteachers.com/best-of-teacher-helpline-7-tips-for-avoiding-he-saidshe-said-conflicts-with-parents/

 

10. Nail parent conferences

You can do it, really.

9 Tips for Surviving Even the Scariest Parent Conferences

What are your secrets to working with parents? We’d love to hear in the comments.