Establishing rapport with the child and their parents is essential for a successful daycare business. However, learning how to talk to a parent can be more complicated than talking to their child at times. That's why it's crucial to have plans in place that outline best practices for talking to parents. Read on to learn effective strategies for communicating with parents to make the most of every conversation.
1. Talk to Parents Where They Prefer
It is imperative that you learn about each family's preferred method of contact and then make an effort to reach out to them there. Most daycare facilities are shifting to online channels as they are the preferred choice of parents.
Childcare providers in the modern world need to actively engage parents using electronic means, such as email, SMS texting, or social media, to maintain meaningful relationships with their families. However, you should also have suitable daycare forms to communicate specific events. Here are some must-have forms.
2. Be Prepared to Explain with Examples
Difficult conversations are bound to happen when you are in the daycare business. Many times, daycare caretakers notice things that others may not. It is crucial to communicate your thoughts to parents. However, instead of adopting a criticizing or defensive tone, explain that you simply want them to be aware of the situation. If you're worried about a child, be prepared to give examples of problematic actions. Make sure you are able to give clear answers instead of broad, ambiguous ones.
3. Emphasize that You Share a Common Goal
Consider using phrases like "We both care about your child and only want what's best for her." An affirmation like that can help parents understand that you are all working toward the same objective: finding the best solution to any problem the child might be facing.
4. Ask for Their Input & Insights
Most daycare centers ask parents to fill out the Getting-to-Know-Your-Child Form when they first arrive at the daycare. However, communication should not end there. You must ask for their input continually. By asking questions and looking for their insights, you show parents that you value what they have to say. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of their participation. Doing so will reinforce the idea that everyone is on the same team by making the parent feel helpful and included.
5. Update Parents with Regular Reports
A daily, weekly, or monthly report should be part of your plan to keep parents informed about their kids and your center's events, programs, and other news and updates. Using Daycare Daily Report Forms is an excellent idea to ensure you have the proper record. You can also communicate by sharing Daily Daycare Schedules.
If you want to reach the most parents with your weekly email, send it out on Friday night, when most of them are at home with their kids. The weekend is a great time for parents to read your reports, catch up on the latest happenings at your center, and prepare their children for upcoming events.
6. Trust Yourself & Your Team
Having faith in yourself and your team is essential. You are in a prime position to recognize signs of distress in children because of your daily interactions with them. Talking to parents about your worries in a way that shows concern about their child requires tact and thoughtfulness, but it also takes self-trust. Even if a parent seems uncooperative at first, they may very well come to appreciate your efforts later.
The Bottom Line: Children Benefit When Parents & Daycare Providers Work Together
Daycare providers know that attracting parents to their daycare is only half the work. The real task is to build rapport and retain clients. The good news is that you can have more fruitful talks and prevent disputes by using the above advice.
You should also teach these strategies for communicating with parents to your team so that they are prepared to handle the difficulties that arise while interacting with parents. Remember, the ultimate goal is to actively seek out and implement practices that advance the health, happiness, and safety of the children in your care.
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