Mastering Your Mindset for Difficult Conversations with a Parent
It's not uncommon to find yourself in difficult conversations with parents. These conversations can be emotionally charged, and it can be challenging to navigate them effectively. However, by mastering your mindset, you can approach these conversations with greater confidence and skill!
Mastering Your Mindset for Difficult Conversations with a Parent
You do not need to be perfect
Even if you use one or two skills from above it will go a long way to having a more successful conversation with the parent
Be gentle with yourself no matter how the conversation goes. That is more important than how the conversation goes or the final outcome
Recognize and Release Assumptions
What am I assuming about how this parent will act?
What am I assuming about their intent?
Can I be open to the fact that my assumptions may not be accurate?
Assume Positive Intent
Even when people show up in challenging ways, they are trying to get their needs met. Their needs matter, even if you can’t meet them at all times.
Can I remember that they are doing their best, even if they are behaving badly?
Can I be compassionate, and empathic, remembering that I, also, have my bad moments
Get Curious
Can I own that I don’t know everything about the situation and be open to learning?
Unhook from Needing them to Change
What am I actually in control of?
What do I wish I were in control of?
Can I gently release what I don’t have control over?
See Yourself as a Hero and Not a Victim
There is nothing wrong with being scared, angry, or tired. The only time people can be courageous is when they are scared. Remember that in these moments you grow the most
Remember that you are a Professional and you have the ability to face this
See Them as a Hero and Not Victim
You can be gentle with the part of them that is scared, and at the same time believe in their capacity and desire to step up as a parent
Remember that this is an opportunity to actually deepen connection
By listening to them and holding space for them, you are turning towards them, allowing them to feel seen and building trust
Remember that it’s a learning opportunity
You are able to learn a lot about your student and the environment they live in, that can only help you
Remember the bigger picture
Both you and the parent want the best for this child, even if you have different beliefs on what will help them succeed.
Note - Many of the same communication skills and mindset rules to having a hard conversation with parents can apply to having a hard conversation with a colleague or even a partner or a friend.
P.S. If you want more oof these prompts, you can get my book here.