It is inevitable, at some point during your child’s educational career you are bound to get a phone call from your child’s teacher. It may be only to tell you that your child is doing wonderfully in school, or it may be to discuss some struggles your child is facing academically, or it may be to discuss some behavioral issues. Whatever the reason the teacher is calling the most important thing you need to do is take the time to listen.

When you consider the fact that your child’s teacher has many children under their care (many more if your child is in middle or high school) it has to mean something that he or she has taken the time to call you about something. Getting a call from your child’s teacher in the middle of a busy day at work, or after work while you are trying to make dinner may be frustrating, but it is important to take time out of your day for the phone call.

Here are a few tips about dealing with calls from the teacher, especially those that involve some academic or behavioral issue that needs to be addressed.

  • Make time to talk to the teacher, even if you are in the middle of something. If you can’t devote your attention to what the teacher has to say schedule a time for her to call back or for you to call her when your full attention will be available.
  • It is important to take notes about what the teacher is saying about the problem, what suggestions he has for the solution, and what needs to be done. The notes will help you discuss the problem with your spouse and your child later.
  • Be sure to share your ideas with the teacher. Spend sometime brain storming about the best solution, be creative, and be open with your comments. The reason the teacher called is not only to let you know what is going on but to also get your feedback as well.
  • Getting a call from your child’s teacher about something negative can be upsetting, the worst thing you can do is get defensive. The important thing is tackling the problem and helping your child overcome the obstacle.

Likely when the teacher takes the time to make a phone call home it is because something is wrong or she is worried about something. Taking the time to listen to what the teacher has to say, being involved in the conversation and the solution, and keeping a level head are all very important.