Keys to Successful Parent-Teacher Communication

By Shelley Galasso Bonanno, MA, LLP

Open and effective communication between parents and teachers plays a crucial role in supporting a child’s academic, social, and emotional development. When parents and teachers work together, students are far more likely to thrive both inside and outside  the  classroom.  While  initiating and maintaining these conversations can sometimes  be  challenging,  fostering  a collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher can help everyone involved.

Before reaching out to your child’s teacher, take  some  time  to  think  about  your thoughts and goals. Identify the specific concerns or topics you’d like to discuss, whether they relate to your child’s academic performance, behavior, social interactions, or something else. Collect relevant information, such as examples of your child’s work or notes about their experiences at home. Having clear goals will help guide the conversation and ensure that important points are addressed.

When reaching out to your child’s teacher consider the teacher’s time and preferred communication methods. Many teachers have set hours for meetings, phone calls, or emails, which are often detailed at the beginning of the school year. Approach the meeting as a partnership. Listen actively and stay open-minded, remembering that teachers have valuable insights into your child’s learning and development.

Use “I” statements to express your thoughts, such as “I’ve noticed my child seems frustrated with reading homework,” rather than placing blame or making assumptions. Asking open-ended questions—like “Can you tell me more about how my child participates in class?”—encourages dialogue and helps you  gain  a  fuller  understanding  of your child’s school experience. Do not wait until parent-teacher conferences if your concerns should arise earlier.

Stay  focused  on  solutions  rather  than dwelling on problems. If concerns arise, collaborate with the teacher to brainstorm strategies or interventions. For example, if your child is struggling to complete assignments,  discuss  possible  supports, such as extra practice, tutoring, or adjusted homework expectations. Always aim to agree on concrete action steps and clarify how you will follow up. If this fails to produce results, you may consider advocating for an educational assessment to help figure out the best way for you and your child’s teacher to help your child.

Effective  parent-teacher  communication is ongoing, not just a one-time event. Stay connected with updates, ask for feedback, and share positive news about your child’s progress. Celebrate achievements together and express appreciation for the teacher’s efforts. Remember, communication should go both ways; invite teachers to share their observations and concerns with you as well. Acknowledge the teacher’s perspective and work together to resolve issues. Building trust and goodwill makes future conversations easier and more productive.

While you certainly know your child best, strong  parent-teacher  communication  is the foundation of a successful educational experience  for  children.  By  preparing thoughtfully,  communicating  respectfully, and working collaboratively, parents can build positive relationships with teachers that help students flourish both academically and personally. Remember, both you and your child’s teacher share a common goal: To help your child succeed. When parents and teachers work together in support of a child, everyone benefits.

A lifelong resident of Macomb County,  Shelley  Galasso Bonanno is a practicing limited licensed psychologist who earned her master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1987. She has a breadth of experience in working with adults, children, families, and couples. In addition to working in private practice, Ms. Bonanno performs consultative services for State and forensic agencies. She performs custody and parenting time evaluations and is a court approved mediator. Her writings have appeared in various online and print publications. An advocate for mental health, you can follow Ms. Bonanno on X (Twitter) @shelleybonanno.