Topic 3 Speaking with parents

In every interaction with parents, one of your goals is to strengthen your partnership with them. You’re more likely to achieve this goal if you consistently speak to parents in a clear and considerate way.

• Find and share the positives about a child’s learning, behavior and experiences.
• Be open and honest. Give parents accurate information on what you observe.
• Think before you speak, especially when you’re talking with parents about difficult or sensitive issues.
• Ask for parents’ input.
• Let parents make informed decisions. You can suggest ideas, but it’s up to parents to decide what to do next.
• If you’re not sure about what to say next or how to say it, you don’t have to respond straight away.