Some Tips When Managing Parents in Class
You have already seen what the role of parents is in babies lessons: we want to
make the most of their role models for babies. The affective component is clearly
boosted when parents have the right attitude towards their children’s learning
process in class. However, sometimes unexpected situations may come and we
need to react professionally, with extreme politeness and bearing in mind any
possible consequence. We would like you to bear in mind the following tips when
managing parents in babies lessons.
1. Do not get defensive in the first lesson. We all need some time to get
adapted and children and parents all need to understand what the
dynamics of the lessons are and what they are expected to do. When
something happens once, it may be an anecdote, and it may happen twice
by chance. But when it happens three times, it’s a fact so it is then when
you should see how to address the situation with the school managing
team.
2. Talk to your school director openly and find out how they feel more
comfortable working in terms of communicating issues to parents. In case
they allow you to talk directly to parents, do it but bear in mind the tips
given below. If not, always keep them updated about what is going on in
your sessions so that they can proceed accordingly.
3. Always keep the academic coordinator and school director updated about
unexpected situations that may take place in your sessions and about the
way you are planning to react. Please note that the school director:
o May know those parents and that student in more depth that you do and
has valuable information when making decisions.
o Has a wider vision on how to deal with such unexpected situations.
Other similar cases may have taken place and may have been managed
in a certain way due to specific reasons.
o Is there to lead you in your day-to-day task. You are delivering the
lesson on your own but there is an entire team behind you to help you
when you need it. Rely on their advice and expertise.
Some Tips When Managing Parents in Class
4. Always gather as much information as possible of what is going on so that
you can suggest a way to proceed based on objective factors and as much
information as possible.
5. When it is only one parent who is struggling, help them individually but do
not get the whole group involved in what is going on.
6. If you do not feel confident when talking to a parent, do not do it and rely
on the expertise of the school director and/or academic coordinator.
7. Never confront a parent.
8. Use the right tone of voice and always say things with a smile so that
nobody takes messages too offensive.
9. Always keep in mind the ultimate goal why parents are in class: the
affective component plays a strategic role in children’s learning
process. That explains why we do what we do and will help you when
managing unexpected situations in class.
10. Remember that you are always representing the brand and the perception
parents have about each of the members of the team has an influence in
creating brand positioning.
