How to Calmly Navigate Parent/Teacher Conferences as a Single Parent

There are three key things to remember if you are going to navigate parent-teacher conferences calmly as a single parent.

I should know. I failed at all of them when my children attended public school.

But if I could go back in time and tell my younger, troubled self this, I would.

At the time, I was going through so much trauma and brokenness that parent/teacher conferences destroyed me.

I took what they spoke over my children as truth. Fear crept in and caused despair. Looking back, I can see where I went wrong, and I would like to share these lessons with you.

You only look alone. Say a prayer, God will be right there with you.

I spent years going to all school activities alone. As a single mom going through a difficult divorce, this made an already awkward situation much more uncomfortable.

I was already afraid, but when the teachers gave me “bad” news, it pushed me over the edge and into despair.

Now, I know that while I may look alone, God is with me. I am never alone!

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Duetoronomy 31:6

For more verses about God going with you, please click on this link: https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_being_with_us

Ask him to comfort and guide you. Ask him to let you feel his presence.

Guard the relationship you have with your child. Do not let fear and “what if” destroy your relationships.

I’ve always honored and respected my children’s teachers. I know that they are knowledgeable and passionate about caring for kids.

During the darkest part of my life, teachers were the ones who carried my kids through it, and I will always be grateful for that!

However, I lost my peace and happiness that I shared with my child, because I believed whatever the teachers said, without questioning it.

There were things that they spoke over my children that froze my emotions. A healthy person could take what they say in a balanced manner.

But I wasn’t healthy.

In fear, I devised a plan to “fix” this child’s problem. I created a stressful and striving environment for my child.

And I took what was a beautiful relationship and destroyed it in an attempt to “further their learning.”

I destroyed a relationship with my child because a few experts told me that the child wasn’t performing as well as they should be. Even now, after all these years, it breaks my heart.

But I have learned this lesson.

When you listen to a professional in a school environment, take what they say with a grain of salt.

They are doing their best to help your child, but what they say is not infallible.

It can be “knowledgeable” and still just an opinion.

God alone knows the plans that he has for your child. And those plans are good!

Do not allow what they say to destroy the fun and the love that you share with your child.

Thank them for their input and ask if you can have a few days to consider it.

And when you do consider it, know that you have options. There are homeschooling and private schooling options to consider.

For homeschooling as a single parent, you may want to read this previous post: https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/how-to-homeschool-as-a-single-mom/

The child that I’m talking about turned out to be absolutely fine! They are strong, thoughtful, smart, and oh, so capable!

God alone is in charge, and he has great things planned for you and for your child!

During the meeting, listen attentively, ask a few questions, and ensure you provide a positive experience for your child.

Tough questions or concerns can be asked at a later time without your child present.

Shelve all unpleasantness or negative feelings that might arise and deal with those things on a different day.

Practice quietness. Smile. Listen. Ask a few questions. Ask the teacher for a few days to think over the information. Be very careful not to embarrass your child. Children can be very sensitive, and we need to be sensitive to that. Give your child a positive experience!

In closing, Parent/Teacher conferences can be stressful, but practicing these tips will help you navigate them successfully and calmly!

Prayers for your journey,

Lacey