Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conference Talk Time

It's puzzling why parents and child care providers/teachers often become nervous about upcoming parent-teacher conferences. The meetings, which can be between parents and school-aged teachers or even between parents and child care providers as well, provide a fantastic opportunity to discuss something both sides care greatly about: kids! But the experience can be somewhat intimidating, even if a positive report is the outcome. Why? Good question. Parent-teacher conferences allow parents and child care providers/teachers a chance to collaborate on a child's needs and learning and even to set goals moving forward! In other words, it's a great learning experience for everyone. So, make the most of your assigned time, and prepare for it by formulating questions and thinking about what you hope to learn from the meeting. It's worth every minute of time spent.