Today our topic is peacefully and effectively communicating with our child's school. Here are a few rules, yes rules, that will aid in
communicating effectively and calmly with school or others that work with your
child on a consistent basis.
1. Begin all communication with some
positive feedback.
Example: I want to thank you for the extra time you’ve
take to help our son with…..he understands math so much better.
2. Any written communication is ALWAYS a
draft. The more conflict there is(or
potential for) the longer the wait and the more revisions are needed before you
press send.
3. Objectivity and cool heads are
important. Do not send written
communication when you are “hot tempered.” Wait until tomorrow to see if you
are still feeling the same way.
4. If more than 5 emails (3 by one party
and 2 by the other) have gone between the teacher and parent without resolution
to the situation, another form of communication is needed. Complicated communication needs to be shared
in an environment where the following are present:
a. Words (present in written and oral forms of
communication)
b. Voice (present in phone and face to face
communication) which shows itself through pauses, intonation, volume, emotion,
speed and fluency
c. Non-Verbal Communication ( present in face to
face meetings) that includes facial expressions, posture, body language, eye
contact and body position.
5. Remember any written communication (e-mail) is
likely to be seen by others not just the person you send it. It could be forwarded to many others. Make sure that the e-mail is written in a way
that you don’t mind the “world” seeing.
Using these guidelines will help you
to avoid unnecessary confusion in communication and conflict in relationships
with your child’s school.
