Parent communication and behavior issues can be tricky, especially when language and cultural barriers come into play. Here are three tips that have made these conversations a lot smoother for me.

1. Stay Calm and Unemotional

Getting angry only makes things worse. When parents sense anger, their first instinct is to defend their child and, possibly, blame you. Keeping a calm and neutral tone helps keep the conversation productive.

2. Stick to Observable Behaviors

Describe what you see, not what you think. Instead of saying, “Johnny was acting like a maniac,” say, “Johnny was standing on his chair and yelling.” The first statement is insulting and subjective, while the second is factual and specific. Remember, what’s considered bad behavior at school might be tolerated at home.

3. Explain Why the Behavior is a Problem

Parents might not understand why certain behaviors are disruptive. Schools need more structure than homes, which might seem strict to parents. Explaining the impact of the behavior helps them understand your perspective. For example: “Mary was running around the table during lunch. We ask students to stay seated so that we can safely supervise 100+ children.”

Bridging the Language Gap

Parent communication and behavior issues is often tricky, but coming to a consensus when there is a language barrier can make it even more challenging. Thankfully, technology can help. The school psychologist in my school introduced me to a fantastic tool in Google Slides that translates your messages into the parent’s language. It even translates their responses back into English. This tool has been a game-changer for me.

Below, you’ll find a link to make a copy of my Google Translate Behavior Chart as well as instructions on how to modify it for your own needs.

How to Use Google Translate Behavior Chart

Google Translate Behavior Chart

By following these tips, you can navigate the tricky waters of parent communication with more confidence and effectiveness.

For more classroom management resources, visit our classroom management page here. 

Happy teaching!