Building Postive Relationships with Families

Have you ever been in a situation that no matter what you do the parent is not satisfied with you? It's not a good situation to be a part of.  In my position of Child Care Licensing Specialist, I spoke with a child care provider of a well known after school program, who found herself in this exact situation. 

 

I asked this provider what is going on and why?

 

The provider stated, "I don't know really why, but the parent will not say hello, she has raised her voice at me and one day she snapped at me because I rubbed her son's back." 

 

Unfortunately, not all parents are going to appreciate the hard work that teachers and child care providers put into their children every day.  It is the responsibility of the professional (early childhood education teacher, caregiver, child care provider, preschool educators and ....) to initiate a positive relationship with each family they serve.  The families and children you serve are your clients.  Customer service is a very import piece of the early childhood profession. As the professional take the first step, greet parents in the morning with a smile, eye contact, or even "good morning."  Second step, don't take it personal. Understand that some mornings the parent may be rushed and can't stop.  Third step, stay positive, supportive, and reframe from judgement. 

 

Involving families in their child's early childhood experience is important and has many benefits. Family/parent involvement refers to activities that enable family members to engage in planning, implementing, and/or participating in program activities.

 

Research has shown that parent involvement is import because:

• Involving parents in children's education has a positive impact on children's achievement. Children do better when parents are involved regardless of parent's education background. (Henderson, A.T. & Berla, N (1994)

•   Programs with high degree of consistent and meaningful parent involvement usually outperform similar programs without parent involvement. (DiNatale, L. 2002)

 

• Involved parents show increased self-confidence in parenting, more knowledge about child development, and a greater understanding of the home as an environment for the child's learning.

 

•  Involved parents show and increased appreciation for a teacher's merits and abilities.

 

• Teachers report a greater understanding of families' cultures, and increased appreciation for parental interest in helping their children, and a deeper respect for parents' time and abilities. (Eldridge, D. 2001)

 

• Involved parents provide the foundation for the family's ongoing involvement in their child's education.  

 

Ideas to get your families/parents/clients involved:

1. Invite parents in for snack (Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom or Grandmom, Pop tart with Grandpop).
2. Organize a basketball tournament (father/son).
3. Family fun night - movie, carnival, dance.
4. Ask family member to be a guest speaker in classroom.
5. Send home fun activities that family and child can do together. The child will share the activity with the class the next day.
6. Family may send pictures of themselves to post in classroom.
7. Ask families to provide snack ideas that represent their culture.
8. Invite parents to volunteer in classroom.
9. Parent/Teacher conferences and or home visits.
10. Ask families for feedback.