How to Tell a Parent Their Preschooler is Behind
Whether you work as a teacher or in another education-centric career, talking to the parents of children you care for on a daily basis is not always an easy feat. When you have a preschooler who is falling behind developmentally, socially, or in any manner, there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning to have a conversation with the parents of the child.
Consider the Child's Personality
Before you speak to a preschooler's parents about them potentially falling or being behind it is important to consider the personality of the child and which areas they are having the most difficulty with personally.
Is the child socializing normally but having difficulty focusing? Does the child have trouble processing emotions or handling new and tedious tasks? The more intricate you are able to get when you are speaking with the parents of a preschooler, the less likely they are to overreact or act defensively while you are confronting them about potentially sensitive topics.
Call the Parents of Your Preschooler
Calling the parents of your preschooler is a great way to get a sense of their overall attitude and tone before you schedule an official meeting with one another in person. Speaking over the phone is also a way for you to determine the best way to go about diving into the conversation once you do choose to meet to discuss how their preschooler may be falling behind.
Get Creative With Potential Solutions
One of the best ways to remain as a mediator while speaking to parents regarding their child's potential developmental issues is to provide possible creative solutions and activities to help of your own. When you are able to offer up possible solutions to the parent of the preschooler you are discussing, they are much more likely to feel at ease and less worried, stressed, and overwhelmed regarding the situation in its entirety. Providing creative tutoring options, courses, games, and lesson plans can help to keep parents calm and cooperative at all times.
Poise and Grace
The more self-aware you are of the situation surrounding the preschooler you are caring for or teaching and their home life, personality, and parental figures, the easier it becomes to approach each situation in a unique and individual fashion that is most welcoming and comfortable to the child's parents. With enough poise and grace, communicate even the most serious of issues to the most difficult parents with little to no issue.
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