Make time for communication. By simply asking how the family is doing in a non-intrusive way, adults can share information that may help the child care professional better understand a child's behavior on any given day. For example, a child may be sad if a family member is on a business trip or if someone is ill. What may seem trivial to adults can be very important to young children. Make your program a caring community of learners and include children's families in that community.
Children benefit most from healthy, reciprocal relationships between teachers and families.
Like most relationships, these require time to nurture mutual respect, cooperation, and comfortable communication. This text is reproduced on NPIN with the permission of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Reproduction of this material is freely granted, provided credit is given to the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Return to the Full Text Parent-Resources. Return to the NPIN Home Page.