We Need to Talk about Parents: A Teachers' Guide to Working With Families

This book provides a framework for successful personal development to help teachers manage difficult communications with parents and the challenges of modern teaching. It covers topics such as understanding and developing compassion, managing emotional challenges, exploring different contexts, and working with families with special needs and disability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2022
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Working and communicating with parents is a fundamental aspect of being a teacher, and the classroom presents a wide range of interpersonal situations that require prompt response. These situations may include difficulties at home, loss, abuse, and special educational needs. In this insightful and practical book, you will receive a comprehensive framework for personal development, empowering you to navigate challenging communications with parents and the diverse challenges inherent in modern teaching. Key topics covered include:
1. Understanding and cultivating compassion: Developing empathy and compassion is essential for effective communication with parents. This involves recognizing their perspectives, validating their emotions, and showing genuine care and concern.
2. Managing different types of emotional challenges: Teachers encounter various emotional challenges in their interactions with parents. This includes dealing with anger, frustration, anxiety, and sadness. By developing effective coping strategies and seeking support when needed, teachers can maintain their emotional well-being and effectively handle these challenges.
3. Exploring different contexts where you will be communicating with families: Teachers engage with families in various settings, such as parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits, and community events. Understanding the specific contexts and dynamics of these interactions can help teachers tailor their communication style and approach to meet the needs of each family.
4. Your role in developing communities: Teachers play a vital role in creating positive and inclusive communities within their classrooms. This involves building strong relationships with parents, students, and the wider school community. By fostering open communication, promoting collaboration, and creating a supportive environment, teachers can contribute to the overall well-being and success of everyone involved.
5. Working with families who have special needs and disability: Teachers may encounter families with unique challenges, such as children with disabilities or special educational needs. By developing a comprehensive understanding of these families' needs and resources, teachers can provide appropriate support and accommodations to ensure their children's success.
Cathie Freeman and Jenni Gates are experienced psychological wellbeing practitioners and integrative counselling therapists who have contributed to this book. Their expertise and practical insights provide valuable guidance for teachers seeking to enhance their communication skills and navigate the complexities of modern teaching.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 242 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529751673