Five Tips for Great Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are not only scary for kids, but also for their parents. Meeting your child's teachers for the first time can be a little intimidating, but know there's nothing to fear. Parent-teacher conferences should be used as a tool to learn more about what your child is studying and how he or she interacts with other students. Parent-teacher conferences are not just for finding out the "bad stuff" about your child; many end on positive notes with positive comments from the teacher. However, it is also a good idea to find out about any problems before they can be exacerbated.

Ask About Time Limits

If you are planning a parent-teacher conference on a day set by the school, you should know that there are normally time limits for each parent. The teachers are working on a rotating schedule, and you don't want to infringe on another parent's right to talk to the teacher, as well. If you think you'll need more time than allowed, consider requesting an appointment at the end of the day or on another afternoon.

Prepare Questions in Advance

You shouldn't just allow the teacher to dictate how the parent-teacher conference is run. Instead, come prepared with your own questions to which you'd like answers and take some initiative. Teachers are used to parents who don't know how to act during these conferences, so they will take the reins if necessary. However, you'll get more out of it if you come prepared.

Show an Active Interest

If you demonstrate to your child's teacher that you are interested in what he or she is learning, the teacher is more likely to pay attention to your child in school. Show the teacher that you take an active interest in your child's education and that you want to know about any problems as soon as they arise. Provide the teacher with your contact information -- work and home -- and insist that you be contacted if anything happens or if you need to know about something. Talking on the phone after a parent-teacher conference will keep you active in your child's education.

Thank the Teacher

One thing that many parents forget at parent-teacher conferences is to thank the teacher for his or her time. Teachers have a lot on their plate and spending all day with parents is often exhausting. Let the teacher know that you appreciate his or her efforts and that you are glad your child is in his or her class.

Take Notes

During the parent-teacher conference, take notes about key points that you'll want to remember later. This is especially true if your spouse wasn't able to make it. He or she will want to know what was said and discussed, so be prepared to recap later. Taking notes also demonstrates an active interest and will show the teacher that you truly care about what you're discussing.

React Appropriately

There will be times when you disagree with a teacher's assessment or even outright dislike the teacher. Remember that parents are naturally biased when it comes to your children, and that the teacher deals with belligerent parents all the time. If you disagree, feel free to say so, but with as much decorum and respect as possible. Explain your point of view and agree to disagree, if necessary.

Discuss it with Your Child

After the parent-teacher conference, go home and discuss the conversation with your child. Talk about what the teacher said and make sure your child understands. If you leave a parent-teacher conference angry, however, you might want to wait until the following day. Give yourself time to think about what was said and how to appropriately interpret it.