Nursery World - Listen carefully

What happens when parents' views on child behaviour are different from those of your setting? Jennie Lindon has some advice It's unlikely that parents will always agree with the way you approach child behaviour in your setting. So by focusing on friendly but assertive communication, as outlined below, you can go a long way towards preventing unnecessary conflicts (see also 'A quiet word' Nursery World, 2 August 2001).

It's unlikely that parents will always agree with the way you approach child behaviour in your setting. So by focusing on friendly but assertive communication, as outlined below, you can go a long way towards preventing unnecessary conflicts (see also 'A quiet word' Nursery World, 2 August 2001).

* Attend fully to what a parent is communicating both through their words and body language. Ask open-ended questions and ensure you understand what the parent is saying.

* There can be different types of disagreement raised by parents. Do not immediately assume you know what they intend to say before you have listened fully. It will only take minutes, and the time will be well spent.

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