Parent-teacher conferences offer opportunities for us to learn about our children’s strengths, their struggles, and their overall functioning when they are away from home. These can be very positive experiences, but for a variety of reasons, these interactions can also prove highly challenging, or even strained.
For a parent of a child who is struggling behaviorally, these meetings can cause apprehension, sadness, and frustration. It can feel as though teachers are missing all the positive attributes of your child as they discuss his or her struggles, especially if the behaviors seem to be exacerbated at school versus at home.
The best thing to do for your child is to approach these meetings as a collaborative, problem-solving venture. As much as possible, remind yourself that all information is useful in strategizing, even if it is difficult to hear.
Maintaining a positive working relationship with your child’s teachers is essential in yielding an optimal outcome for your child. Ask the teachers questions about what has – and what has not – worked, and ask how you can help.
If you are feeling a bit frustrated, try to keep in mind that although you may not see certain behaviors at home, school is a much more stimulating and distracting environment, with many more opportunities for behavioral challenges.
If you feel your child is in need of additional support, which cannot be satisfied at his or her school alone, please contact us at Georgetown Psychology Associates to schedule an appointment.
