Winning Ways to Talk with Parents/Caregivers

A training for those who work with and care for young

children

Presenter: Tal Curry

What do you think is wrong with this baby?

Communication is…..

How we express our Thoughts Feelings Ideas

We communicate in a variety of ways

Exchange of words Expressions Body language Actions

Good Communication Warm and

trusting relationships

Cooperation Feelings of worth

Good communication

Connects people together and Builds relationships

Poor Communication Breaks down

relationships Can cause

conflicts Causes feeling of

worthlessness

Children are learning to understand the people around them - Modeling

Sometimes communicate things we don’t mean to.

Threaten

Lecture

Afraid (“What I feel or want doesn’t matter.”)

Disrespected or unappreciated (“I am really messed up.”)

When we do this: A child/adult may feel:

Sometimes communicate things we don’t mean to.

Demanding

Judgmental

Helpless (“I must do what others tell me. I can’t think for myself”)

Unloved or bad (“I am not a good person.”)

When we do this: A child/adult may feel:

Appropriate ways to communicate with parents Center self Address parent by name Talk in a conversational tone Talk with the parent and not at him/her

– they are the expert Meet them where they are at (their

level, they lead, Face to face with them Understand their space

Appropriate ways to communicate with parents Use “I” messages Be courteous (say please, thank

you…) – Modeling good parenting for children

Start from strengths – talk about 2 poistives before areas of challenge

Use words they understand (and don’t talk too long!)

Use words that encourage

Don’t forget to….

Get their attention firstUse appropriate eye contact

Remember Communication is also LISTENING

Remember conversation flows in both directions use “door openers”

“Oh.” “Mm hmmm.” “Really?” “Okay.” “Um hum.”

“Tell me more.” “Now that is

interesting.” “Imagine that!” “How about that!”

Have a positive attitude

You set the tone and the pace of your work, your parents will

look to you for guidance.

Have a positive attitude

You are a role model for parents and they will imitate

you!!!

Make a difference that counts

You make a difference for children

Parent Change with Children

Relational interventions Changing parent/caregivers behaviors

How view the child Caregiver follows child’s lead

Strengths approach

Talk to people… do not interview them

Try to make people see you are not there to judge them, or even change them, but you are there to validate them

Talking about yourself

Be sensitive to where they come from

Questions

1. How does communication impact the development and nature of a relationship and effective methods to communicate?

2. What is the difference between being directive and non-directive when communicating with parents?

3. How do we involve parents in critical thinking/problem solving?

4. What are the differences between talking/relating with a friend versus parents in the program?