When partnering with parents, particularly in the context of teaching young learners, it’s important to establish clear communication and set appropriate boundaries.

Here are some key strategies to effectively manage parents' involvement and expectations:

Before your first lesson, it's helpful to send parents a friendly message with tips. Encourage them to check their child’s devices before class, show them how to mute notifications, and let them know they can check in occasionally, especially during the first few lessons. Over time, parents will likely feel more comfortable stepping back.

Here are some tips you can share with parents:

Find a quiet room

Consider getting your child a headset

Check your devices

Show kids how to mute/unmute and refresh the page

Leave the room once the lesson starts

You may check in every few minutes

Be patient, progress takes time

Many parents may expect rapid progress, especially in the early stages. It’s important to explain that language learning is a gradual process, and the first lessons may involve getting to know the teacher and adapting to a new environment. Reassure parents that any initial challenges are part of the learning process and that the child is not failing. Emphasize that it’s completely normal for students to struggle with certain topics, and they may need extra time to fully grasp them. Let them know that this is all part of the journey.

Use Humor and Warmth to Diffuse Tension

If a parent is consistently present and interrupting the lesson or answering questions for their child, use humor to address the situation gently. Acknowledge the parent’s helpfulness with a lighthearted comment (e.g., “Thanks, Dad! Let’s hear from Maciej now”). Humor can help maintain a positive atmosphere while subtly reinforcing the child’s independence.

If a parent’s involvement is disrupting the lesson or their expectations are unrealistic (e.g., expecting a child to achieve advanced skills in just a few lessons), it’s essential to address the situation professionally. Clearly communicate your concerns with the parent, either during the lesson or through follow-up messages, emphasizing the child’s needs and progress. Outline what is realistically achievable within the lesson framework and propose alternative approaches if needed. If the discussion takes place during the lesson, ensure you document it afterward by sending a summary message to the parent and, after the lesson, send a brief message to the parent summarizing what was covered, any progress made, and any agreed-upon follow-ups. This ensures clear communication and maintains consistency between the lesson and the parent’s involvement.

If you feel that a parent persistently interferes with the lesson or continues to demand unrealistic expectations despite your efforts to address the situation, it’s important to let us know about it. We will try to find a solution to ensure your student’s progress is not hindered. Reach out to us first before considering giving away the course.

By balancing empathy with clear communication and maintaining professionalism, you can foster positive relationships with parents and create a supportive environment for your students.

We highly recommend watching this webinar in full, where Kelly and Flor provide an in-depth exploration of the topic of teaching teens and partnering with parents.