Preparing For A Parent/Teacher Conference

The parent-teacher conference can be a bit intimidating, especially if it's your first one or your first with a new teacher. Remember that a teacher's probably as nervous about meeting you as you are about meeting with him or her. And even former teachers are often nervous when they're placed in a parent role.

• Before you go, talk about the upcoming conference with your child. Ask if there are any subjects that he or she wants you to discuss with the teacher.

• Prepare a list of questions and concerns before you go to the conference. Time is usually tightly scheduled, and you don't want to waste it.

• Basic topics that should be covered are achievement, behavior, peer relationships, and self-esteem. You may also wish to discuss methods of discipline. Tell the teachers of any unusual situations that may exist at home, such as divorce or a death in the family.

• It is important to be prompt; you're going to be infringing on someone else's time if you're not, and you won't get your own full measure of time.

• Take a "what can we do" and "how can I help" attitude if the teacher brings up a problem or even if your child seems to be doing all right. You can help your child, but you can't make him or her into a perfect child or a super student.

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