Monthly Archives: August 2020

Parent conferences are a busy and demanding time for teachers, especially where we are dealing with complex issues, working with difficult people or delivering ‘bad’ news. Effective communication is vital in building trust. Our use of non-verbals is important Take care of yourself Never be alone in the building for parent conferences. Prepare well, ducks in a row, with written documentation of issues. Breathe well. Take several deep breaths before the conference. During the conference, stop and take two deep breaths any time things are tense. (also see dealing with “a big cat” below) Show that you care about them and their child Let them know you understand how much they care about their child. You all want what is…

Over-parenting was often called “helicopter parenting”, as these parents hover over their children to make sure nothing goes wrong. Research shows that today’s parents spend more time per day parenting than in the 1980s. Parents are protective by nature but some consistently intervene to help children avoid any kind of failure. Lawnmower parents go to whatever lengths necessary to prevent their child from having to face any adversity, struggle or failure. Instead of preparing their children with the skills to cope with the challenges they are likely to face, they mow obstacles down so kids won’t face them in the first place. Media often refer to children of such parenting as “cotton wool” or “bubble wrap” kids.  In To Kill…