8 Tips for (Homeschool) Parent-Teacher Meetings

It’s that time of year again. Parents are heading to the local schools to meet their children’s teachers as they start the academic year. The Internet is full of blogs and websites with articles from educators and moms who have “been doing this awhile” about tips and suggestions for parents to have successful parent-teacher meetings throughout the coming year. Yesterday it dawned on me that we, as homeschooling moms, need to prep for these as well. Here are eight tips for successful homeschool parent-teacher meetings (in no particular order):

1. Do Your Homework

Know in advance where the meeting will take place.

  • Restaurant? Look it up online and choose what you will order before the day of the meeting.
  • Park? When is the best day to go, to beat the crowds? Decide where you’ll set up your chair or blanket so you’ll have the most relaxing view.parent-teacher meetings
  • Beauty salon? Make your appointment in advance, to be sure you don’t spend your time waiting for an opening. Know what you want done (haircut/style, manicure, makeup).
  • Mall?  Which stores will have the sales? Where’s the best place to park?
  • A friend’s house? Do you need to bring anything?

Taking time to do a little research beforehand is especially relevant in making your parent-teacher meetings successful.

2. Join Forces

Enlist a few other homeschool moms to join you at these parent-teacher meetings. After all, there is fun in numbers. Or better yet, have your husband join you. Spend the evening discussing your homeschooling journey, what’s working, what’s not — get his opinion on how to encourage more learning in your home. Two heads are better than one, whether it’s your husband or another like-minded homeschooling mom.

3. Open the Lines of Communication

Be sure your husband knows your plans for the meeting, especially if they include him. Make sure your phone volume is on, in case he (or the babysitter, or your child) need to get in touch with you. While you may be hoping to “get away from it all,” remember this is a parent-teacher meeting. Your number one job is being a teacher; your number one priority is being a mom/wife. The reason you’re having the meeting is to refresh your outlook on school, and reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

4. Have a Specific Agenda — Aim for Action

Know in advance where you will go, what you will do, and when you will be home. Don’t spend all your time studying the menu (see #1), and don’t hog a table if it’s busy. Don’t spend time crisscrossing town because you didn’t plan in advance where you wanted to go. If your parent-teacher meetings are in the evening, remember that some businesses close early on weeknights. When your mind requires a low-key meeting, let relaxing be your agenda. If you need to talk about new teaching methods and programs with your husband, jot ideas down before the meeting so you can be sure to get it all discussed.

hands-coffee-smartphone-technology5. Keep in Touch

Make sure whoever is in charge at home while you are gone has your cell number. Text messaging is ideal for non-emergencies, and it often helps younger children not to be so anxious if they know they can text you a question, or an “I love you,” if they want. You can even use this parent-teacher meeting time as an opportunity for a phone call with your husband if he is out of town at the time. This is also an ideal time to catch up on your Bible reading and prayer if you’re going into this meeting alone. Remember that God is always on your side and He wants to help you be the best mom/teacher you can be.

6. Remind Yourself of Your Wins

Don’t spend the entire meeting whining about what’s going wrong in your homeschool. Little Johnny may be struggling with reading, but he knows his alphabet and can tie his shoes. Win! Suzy may not understand the Pythagorean theorem, but she is an amazing baker and has started her own cake business at 16 years of age. Win! The laundry may not be folded and put away, but it’s clean. Win! Your house may need a thorough decluttering, but your children are still alive. WIN!!

7. Stick to Allotted Time

If you promised to be back home at a certain time, honor that promise. Tomorrow is another day, and you need to be fresh and well-rested. If you’re meeting at another mom’s home, be respectful of her family by not going past the allotted time of the meeting. Phone calls with out-of-town husbands should also have time limits, so as to not affect his work duties. Use your time wisely (see #1 and #4) and you won’t need to stay out late.

8. Don’t Embarrass Your Child

You may want to throw caution to the wind during your parent-teacher meetings, but selfie-413162_640remember who you are (a mom), what you stand for (family values and homeschooling), and Who you represent (your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.). Don’t get loud or be obnoxious. Smile, have fun, take a few selfies for your social media wall. Just remember to check for things stuck between your teeth before you snap the photo. Your children will thank you.

Scheduling Parent-Teacher Meetings

Now that you know how to best prepare for a meeting, take some time to decide how often you should have them. Some homeschooling moms prefer them monthly. Some are fine with a few a year. It all depends on the ages of your children, your finances, and your stress levels.

I’d love to hear about your parent-teacher meetings! Leave a comment, or start a discussion on Facebook. Where do you go? Do you go alone, with other moms, with your husband?

 

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