Tips for Teachers on Building Strong Relationships with Parents

Developing positive relationships between teachers and parents can have immense benefits for
students. When teachers and parents communicate effectively and work together, students feel
more supported and are likely to be more successful academically and emotionally. Here are some
tips for teachers on building strong connections with parents.

Communicate Regularly

Set up systems for regular communication with parents. This could involve sending weekly emails,
newsletters, or using apps that allow messaging between teachers and parents. Let parents know
the best way to contact you too. Provide positive feedback about their child as well as raising any
concerns. Parents want to hear about what their child is doing well in addition to areas they may be
struggling. Be responsive in your communications. Reply to emails and messages from parents in a
timely manner, even if it’s just a quick acknowledgement at first. Parents appreciate knowing you
received their message.

Offer Opportunities to Connect

Offer opportunities for parents to connect with you and get involved. Hold “Meet the Teacher”
nights or open houses early in the year so parents can put a face to a name and learn about
classroom rules, routines and expectations. Invite parents to volunteer, assist on field trips or help
out in the classroom if possible. This gives them a glimpse into their child’s school day. Organise
events like family reading nights or maths game nights where parents and kids can engage in
academic activities together.

Accommodate Busy Schedules

Try to accommodate parent’s; busy and varying schedules. Offer flexible times to meet in person
before, during or after school hours. Understand that some parents may not be available during
typical school hours for work or other reasons. For parents who can’t meet in person, provide phone
or video conferencing options at a variety of times.

Consider Diverse Family Structures

Recognise and be inclusive of diverse family structures. Some children may be raised by
grandparents, foster carer, same-sex parents or other non-traditional family structures. Use inclusive
language on forms and when addressing families. Don’t make assumptions about who will be
attending events or meetings. Allow children to invite any important caregivers in their lives. If you
reach out to a carer fostering in Dundee, be sensitive to their circumstances. Focus on working
together to provide stability, care and academic support for the child.

Maintain Sensitivity

Remember to maintain sensitivity when discussing sensitive topics with parents. Approach
conversations about disciplinary concerns or learning challenges carefully, focusing on solutions.

Respect families’ privacy by being thoughtful about how and where you discuss a child’s behaviour or performance with parents. If language is a barrier, provide interpreters or use translation apps as needed. Don’t rely solely on the child or other family members to translate important dialogues.
Building strong teacher-parent partnerships requires effort and intention, but it has so many payoffs
for your students. Focus on open communication, opportunities to connect in person,
accommodating busy schedules and maintaining sensitivity to all family structures. If both teachers
and parents make the relationship a priority, it will translate into meaningful benefits for children’s
learning and well-being.