The family and each professional need to aim for a working relationship that will assure optimal outcomes in a timely manner. Professionals need to view parents as colleagues who bring skills, knowledge and experiences to the partnership. However, like all good working relationships, the parent and professional should aim to tap into and capitalize on the strengths, knowledge and experiences that are different from one another. The aim of the consultation should be to enhance the family's ability to solve similar problems in the future independently.
Family is left to interpret the information and apply it when and how they see appropriate.
Family and professional negotiate who should collect needed information and brainstorm options for solving the problem. They mutually agree who will implement each part of the solution plan and discuss ongoing findings relative to progress in the plan and changes noted. Roles may reverse along the way and family and professional feel comfortable exchanging ideas for the purpose of solving this mutually-identified problem. Demonstrate . . . Explain . . .