The Challenges of Classroom Management
Today’s teachers face many challenges, especially with classroom management. Teachers who use Love and Logic techniques in the classroom effectively can experience the pleasure of taking control of the classroom. Even more importantly, they have the satisfaction of seeing the love of learning develop in their students.
Navigating Parent-Teacher Conferences with Helicopter Parents
Another very difficult challenge that teachers face is working with Helicopter Parents. Usually, teachers encounter Helicopter Parents during parent-teacher conferences. Learning how to handle these conferences can help teachers ensure a positive outcome for everyone involved.
Although they do it out of great love, these parents cripple their children by hovering over them and rescuing them from the consequences of their actions. Unwittingly, they also sabotage their children’s learning by criticizing teachers for expecting too much out of their kids.
We’ve seen countless Helicopter Parents transformed by skillful, patient teachers. Here are some helpful tips for building relationships with such parents so that everybody wins:
- Remember that parents who look angry and resistant are usually hurting inside.
- When we remember this, it becomes much easier to avoid being defensive or angry ourselves.
- The most powerful skill involves listening and allowing parents to vent about their frustrations—before sharing our ideas.
- “Tell me more.” “What would you like to see here?” “How long have you felt this way?” These are great responses to show parents how much you care, and they are open-ended questions that will encourage them to talk.
- Share your ideas only after making sure that the parent is ready. You can ask, “Would you like to hear my thoughts on this?” This is a good way of showing respect and testing to see if they are ready to listen.
Five Steps for Building a Positive Parent-Teacher Relationship
Here are five simple steps that can help teachers turn a potential confrontation into a positive and cooperative encounter. The overall goal is to avoid confrontation, calm the parents, and solve problems when everyone is thinking clearly.
Step One: Lead with Empathy and Collect Information
Listen to the parents and show that you care and want to understand their point of view.
Step Two: Slow Things Down
Take notes and record what the parents are saying verbatim—this helps slow things down and gives you the information you will need later in the conversation.
Step Three: Demonstrate That You Are Listening
Ask, “I want to make sure that I’m getting this correct. Is it okay if I read it back to you?”
Step Four: Check for Entry into a Thinking State of Mind
Ask, “Would you like my thoughts?”
Step Five: Begin Problem-Solving
Begin by suggesting that there are probably many solutions to the problem. If the parents become emotional again as you move to possible solutions, go back to Step One.
Strengthen Parent-Teacher Relationships with Proven Strategies
Handling parent concerns effectively requires patience, confidence, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure. But these skills don’t just apply to teachers—knowing how to work with difficult people in any setting can reduce stress and lead to better outcomes.
If you’d like more practical strategies for managing challenging conversations, building trust, and turning tense situations into productive collaborations, check out our audio Putting Parents at Ease. This insightful audio provides real-world techniques to help educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants to improve communication and create cooperative relationships in both personal and professional settings.
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