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.
IEL Resources
Web Resources
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Discussing Difficult Issues
Source: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
This short article provides several things to consider when discussing difficult issues with parents.
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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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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 (PDF)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This short article provides a sample parent-teacher conversation and some tips for having difficult conversations with parents.
About this resource
- Child Care Center
- Family Child Care
- Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
- Infants and Toddlers (Birth To Age 3)
- Preschoolers (Age 3 Through Age 5)
