CALLING THE TEACHER

When parents and teachers have concerns with respect to the progress, or lack of it, that the children are making in a particular class, a telephone conference is sometimes warranted. Below is a list of some guidelines which can make these phone calls productive for parents.

• Remember that you are dealing with another human being. Treat the person on the other side of the conversation with the dignity and respect you want for yourself. Threatening attitudes set a negative tone for the conference and take the emphasis away from the issue - how best to cooperatively help the child.

   

• Remember that when a child comes home with an account of what has happened, this is the child's perception - and is not always the full story. It is always best to discuss the issue rather than the fact that your child is being victimized.

Example:

The wrong way: "Susie tells me that you don't like her and you always pick on her."

The better way: "Susie came home feeling rather upset. Do you feel that there is a problem? If so, what can we do about it?"

• Keep in mind that parents, children and teachers must form a partnership. A well-running partnership will prove to be the optimum way to help the children succeed. If we always keep this thought uppermost in our minds, if we stick to issues rather than personalities, if we avoid threats and intimidations, the children will reap the benefits.

When a parent-teacher phone call becomes a confrontation, there are no winners. There is however, one big loser - the child.

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