Questions & Answers
Q:	I'd like to meet to discuss some of my child's behavior issues with his teacher, but these meetings never seem to accomplish much. How can I make this one work?
A:	Parent-teacher meetings can be tense for everyone. You don't want to hear troubling things about your child, and his teacher doesn't want to be perceived as the enemy. To have a successful meeting, try these tips.
	Begin on a positive note. Is there something your child particularly enjoys about class? Share with his teacher right off.
	Pay attention. You need to understand what's happening with your child at school, so ask his teacher for specifics. If she says, "Tyler sure is energetic," follow up with something such as, "I'd like to know more. Can you tell me about a time when he was especially lively?"
	Seek guidance. You want the teachers help, so be genuinely interested--not angry or challenging--when discussing the situation with her.
	Be diplomatic. If you have an idea about how the teacher can better deal with your child, suggest it tactfully. "When Tyler gets too rowdy at home, we've found that...." Then add, "Do you think that might work in class?" By turning it into a question, you're demonstrating that the two of you are a team.
	Develop a strategy. Decide what the teacher can do at school and what you can do at home to work with your child. Commit to keeping in touch, too, whether by e-mail, phone, or another meeting.
Source: Kathleen Jacobs, "Connecting with Your Child's Teacher," Child, September 2003.