(This video will be live Sunday, July 7, 2019. Just click the picture above.)
When I first started teaching, I did not make a single parent contact. Why? Because I was scared. The thought of calling a parent and telling them negative things about their child seemed horrifying. I was worried they would yell and scream at me. Now in my 10 years in this business, I am happy to report that I can count on both hands how many times I have been yelled at by a parent through the phone and parent-teacher conferences. If you are like me, don’t be afraid. Most of the time parents want to work with you and they want to know what is going on with their child. I have put together a list of 13 tips on how to make those parent contacts a success. 1) When the parent says hello, say, “This is Mrs. Mack from Star Wars Middle School, and I am trying to reach Mr. Parent”. 2) State facts and observations not opinions. (Keep your emotions out of this.) Side Note: Don’t ever tell a parent a child needs to be on medication! 3) Do not call if you are upset. (Wait until you are calm and your judgment is not cloudy.) If I feel some kind of way and am in my feelings, I will make a list of facts so my emotions do not get involved when I am talking to the parent. 4) On the first day, observe students and the ones you think you may have a problem with, call those parents first to sell them something positive about their child. Be proactive. 5) Be positive. I always talk to the parent like every issue we are dealing with can be fixed. 6) Do not talk negatively about the child as a person, talk about the child’s behavior. If possible, turn this into a positive for the future. I try to think about the behavior and how that behavior could relate to a successful career. For example: If a child talks all the time, say “Johnny is really social, but this trait will come in handy when he is an adult. I can see him being a preacher or a politician.” This is usually followed by a laugh. Or if a child is really sassy, say, “this trait will come in handy when she is an adult, she will never let anyone walk on her.” Try to turn the negative trait into a positive. If you have a hard time turning a trait into a positive, say something like “he is well liked by his peers” or “she is highly intelligent“ or he is a natural leader.” Make sure you are sincere! Parents know their child and they will know if you are being dishonest. 7) Always talk about what is best for the child. Your focus should always be the well-being of the child. 8) If a parent becomes irate with you, kindly say, “I can set up a conference with myself and the administrator if you would like.” Then go from there. 9) If a parent curses at you or becomes belligerent, say, “Thank you for your time.” Then hang up. “ Then tell your administrator ASAP. (Anytime you have a parent that is mad at you, tell your boss the whole story and document this.) 10) Do not ever disrespect a parent, even if they are disrespectful to you. Remember, you are the professional. 11) Make sure you end the call with “Please contact me anytime time if you have any questions or concerns. I am here for you and I always try to get back with parents within 24 hours.” 12) Do NOT ever mention other children’s names to the parent. For example: Mrs. Parent, your child, Johnny will not stop talking to Sarah”. Do not mention other children’s name to parents. 13) If the parent does not answer the phone, leave a message and document it. Call another phone number for the child. Many times these extra phone numbers will be on the child’s check out card. (If the child is a cat rider, try to walk the child to their pickup destination. Do not give up. If this does not work, send a letter home. Make a copy of the letter and include it with the documentation you have been collecting. I hope this lists makes calling parents a little easier. You all have an amazing day.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am not an expert yet by any means. I felt inspired to create a YouTube channel and website so new teachers will have an easier journey than I had. Archives
December 2019
Categories
All
|