Working with Parents on Behavioural Issues

October 11, 2024 | Time: | Location: | Category: Teaching Resourses/Blog series: Mastering Classroom Behaviour / Behavioural Management

Addressing behavioural issues in the classroom can be challenging, but building a strong partnership with parents is a crucial step towards supporting student success. When teachers and parents work together, they create a unified approach to managing behaviour, ensuring that students receive consistent messages and support at both school and home. This blog will provide tips on how to communicate effectively with parents about behavioural issues and develop strategies that reinforce positive behaviour across both environments.

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1. Open Lines of Communication Early

It’s important to establish regular communication with parents early in the school year, before any behavioural issues arise. Building a relationship based on trust and collaboration sets a positive tone and makes it easier to approach parents when more difficult conversations are needed later on. Make an effort to reach out to all parents with positive news about their child’s progress as well—this helps to ensure that communication isn’t solely focused on negative behaviours.

Tip: Send a brief welcome letter or email at the beginning of the year outlining your approach to behaviour management and inviting parents to reach out with any concerns or questions.

2. Use a Solution-Focused Approach

When communicating with parents about behavioural issues, it’s essential to remain focused on solutions rather than simply highlighting the problem. Approach the conversation from a place of concern and partnership. Instead of solely pointing out the negative behaviour, offer potential solutions and ask for the parents' insights. This helps parents feel involved and empowered to make positive changes at home.

Example: If a student is struggling to stay focused in class, suggest strategies like creating a consistent homework routine or setting up a quiet space at home for study time.

3. Be Clear and Specific

Parents appreciate clear, specific information about their child’s behaviour. Avoid vague language like “your child is disruptive,” and instead offer concrete examples. For instance, you might say, “During group activities, your child often interrupts others and struggles to stay on task.” Specific examples help parents understand the issue and identify possible patterns in behaviour that may also occur at home.

Tip: If appropriate, provide written notes or a behaviour chart that details when and where the issue is happening. This can give parents a clearer picture of the problem and help them address it more effectively.

4. Stay Positive and Focus on Strengths

Although it’s necessary to address negative behaviours, be sure to acknowledge the student’s strengths as well. This balanced approach reassures parents that you see their child’s potential and are committed to helping them succeed. Celebrating positive traits, such as creativity or kindness, can also motivate the student to engage in more of those behaviours.

Example: “I’ve noticed that your child is very creative during art lessons. I think we can use that strength to help them focus more during other subjects.”

5. Set Joint Behaviour Goals

Collaboration with parents should involve setting joint behaviour goals for the student. These goals should be realistic, specific, and achievable. Involving the student in the goal-setting process can also help them take responsibility for their actions. For example, a shared goal could be “staying on task for 15 minutes during independent work” or “raising their hand before speaking during class discussions.”

Tip: Establish a reward system that can be used both at home and in school to reinforce positive behaviour. This provides consistency and encourages the student to meet their goals.

6. Provide Consistent Updates

Once you’ve discussed behavioural issues with parents and agreed on strategies, it’s important to provide consistent updates on the student’s progress. These updates can be brief but should include both positive developments and areas where the student may still need support. This ongoing communication helps parents feel engaged and aware of how their child is doing, and it reinforces the idea that you’re working as a team to support the student’s growth.

Tip: Use a variety of communication methods, such as email, phone calls, or a home-school behaviour chart, depending on what works best for the parents.

7. Be Sensitive to Cultural Differences

It’s essential to be mindful of cultural differences when discussing behaviour with parents. Different cultures may have varying expectations of children’s behaviour and how it should be managed. Approach conversations with an open mind and respect parents’ perspectives, while explaining your expectations and practices within the classroom.

Example: Some parents may have different views on classroom discipline or the level of independence their child should have. Take the time to understand their views and find a middle ground that works for both home and school.

8. Stay Calm and Professional

Behavioural issues can be an emotional topic for parents, particularly if they feel defensive or embarrassed about their child’s behaviour. It’s important to remain calm and professional during these conversations, even if the parent becomes upset. Be empathetic, listen carefully, and reinforce that you’re both on the same side—the goal is to support the child’s well-being and success.

Tip: If a meeting becomes heated, suggest taking a short break and rescheduling to allow everyone to reflect and approach the conversation with a clear mind.

9. Offer Resources and Support

Some parents may feel unsure about how to address behavioural issues at home, particularly if they are dealing with challenging circumstances such as family stress, trauma, or Special Educational Needs (SEN). In these cases, offer resources such as parenting workshops, counselling services, or behaviour management guides that may help them. Additionally, remind parents that the school’s support staff, such as counsellors or SEN specialists, are available to offer guidance.

Tip: Suggest simple strategies that parents can implement at home, such as using visual aids or practising relaxation techniques with their child.

10. Foster a Team Mindset

Finally, reinforce the idea that you and the parents are part of a team, working together to help the student succeed. Regularly remind them that your shared goal is to support the child’s academic and personal growth. When parents feel included in the process, they are more likely to actively participate and follow through with behaviour strategies at home.

Tip: Use phrases like “we” and “together” to emphasise the partnership between home and school. For example, say, “Together, we can help your child improve their focus in class.”

Conclusion

Managing behavioural issues in the classroom is more effective when teachers and parents work together as a team. Open communication, a solution-focused approach, and consistent support are key to reinforcing positive behaviour both at home and at school. By building strong, collaborative relationships with parents, teachers can create a more supportive environment that promotes student success and well-being.

When teachers and parents join forces, the results are not only improved behaviour but also enhanced trust, understanding, and cooperation, all of which contribute to a more harmonious and productive learning experience for students.