How to Handle Difficult Parents of Students with Visual Impairments
Apr 19, 2022
Working with parents is a crucial aspect of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) education. Parents aren’t the enemy—they’re your greatest allies in helping learners succeed. Whether you're an O&M specialist, a teacher, or a parent, this blog will offer insights to foster stronger relationships for the benefit of all.
Why Parent Collaboration Matters
We know the importance of setting impactful goals and teaching strategies, but the next big step is helping learners generalize their skills. Parents are instrumental here. As much as you care for your learners, their parents or caregivers are with them 99% of the time. By partnering with them, we ensure that learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends.
Caregivers—whether they’re parents, grandparents, or others—play a vital role in implementing strategies and fostering independence at home. This partnership amplifies the work we do during lessons, ensuring that progress continues beyond the classroom.
Benefits of a Strong Parent-Teacher Partnership
For Parents:
- Increased confidence in supporting their child.
- A better understanding of the strategies used in O&M education.
- Opportunities to engage in their child’s learning process more effectively.
For Learners:
- Greater motivation and improved behavior.
- Stronger attendance and a positive attitude toward learning.
- Better independence as parents reinforce skills at home.
For Specialists:
- Enhanced cultural understanding of learners’ environments.
- Improved ability to personalize lessons by incorporating real-life examples from home.
Communication Strategies That Work
Effective communication is key to building trust. Here are a few tips:
- Celebrate Wins: Share positive feedback about the learner with parents. Small successes go a long way in fostering trust and cooperation.
- Be Consistent: Regular communication, even if brief, creates a stronger connection. Monthly updates or newsletters can make a big difference.
- Use Multiple Channels: Texts, phone calls, and in-person or virtual meetings allow for flexibility. Tailor communication to what works best for the family.
- Avoid Negative Bias: Focus on solutions rather than problems. Offer support and actionable advice instead of criticism.
Navigating Challenges
When conflicts or misunderstandings arise, approach them with empathy and strategy:
- Stay Calm: Address issues within 24 hours to avoid escalation, but ensure you’re in a composed state before initiating the conversation.
- Listen First: Seek to understand the parent’s perspective. Often, concerns stem from fear or stress.
- Choose the Right Medium: Difficult conversations should happen face-to-face or via video call, not over text or email.
When needed, involve administrators or other team members for support. Remember, your shared goal is the learner’s success.
The Bigger Picture
Building strong relationships with parents isn’t just about communication—it’s about fostering trust and creating a partnership. Parents, specialists, and learners all benefit when they work together toward a common goal.
If you’d like to learn more about strategies for effective collaboration, join us on April 7 for a free live training session. We’ll dive deeper into communication techniques and role-release strategies to help you empower caregivers and create sustainable success for your learners.
Visit alliedindependenceonline.com/training to register.
Let’s continue building these connections and creating a supportive community for our learners
