Communicating With Parents During Sensitive or Difficult Situations

This list contains a variety of resources which can aid teachers and caregivers with how to best communicate with parents during difficult situations.
Web Resources
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20 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships With Parents
Source: Edutopia
This article provides twenty tips for improving connections with parents and families.
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Family-Professional Partnerships
Source: Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
This professional development module provides videos and other training materials to promote trusting partnerships with families.
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Having Difficult Conversations with Families: A Teacher’s Guide
Source: Understood
This article goes over effective strategies for teachers to connect with families including sharing specific concerns, building trust, and moving forward.
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How to Communicate with Parents
Source: Zero to Three
This short article discusses three key steps to take after discussing difficult topics with parents.
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New Teachers: How to Talk to Parents
Source: Edutopia
This article provides strategies for new teachers in their meetings and conversations with families including being proactive, asking parents for advice, and more.
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Talk with Your Child’s Teacher
(also in Spanish)Source: Colorin Colorado
This offers questions and answers that can help you to get the most out of talking to your child’s teacher or with other school staff members.
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Talking with Families about Sensitive Topics
Source: PennState Extension
This short article for educators provides ideas on how to plan and prepare to discuss sensitive issues with families and open the door to conversation.
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Tips for Child Care Providers to Communicate with Parents Their Concerns about a Child’s Development
Source: Extension Alliance for Better Child Care
This article provides specific tips for communicating concerns with parents.
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Tips for Talking with Parents
Source: Centers on Disease Control (CDC)
This short article provides a sample parent-teacher conversation and some tips for having difficult conversations with parents.
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You Are Not Alone: For Parents When They Learn That Their Child Has a Disability
(also in Spanish)Source: Center for Parent Information and Resources
This article, written by a parent of a child with a disability, describes common reactions to learning that your child has a disability.
About this resource
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:- Family Child Care
- Child Care Center
- Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):