Communication

TIPS for parent teacher communication[| LAST] //**Listen**// to the person’s concern. Do not interrupt them, but rather wait until appropriate times in the conversation to ask clarifying questions. Often times, people just want to be heard and are frustrated when they aren’t allowed to tell their story. //**Apologize**// for their frustration. There is nothing more frustrating than for someone to raise a concern only to be met with a response on the defensive. Instead of immediately coming back with a defense, why not take the time to recognize how frustrated the person is and apologize they feel that way? //**Solve**// the problem. Ask the person what needs to be done to solve the problem together. This is a tough job sometimes because what is being requested as a solution cannot always be granted. This is where remaining composed and talking through a problem can help calm a situation and hopefully find some common ground for everyone to stand on.
 * //Thank//** them. Thank the person for bringing their concern to your attention. Thank them for having the discussion with you. Although they may seem like two simple words, they are powerful.