Most teachers have long recognized the value of the contributions that parents can make. Involvement means much more, but parents often wonder how they can 'best' help. Teachers generally welcome parents who want to be a part of their child's learning, as long as what they do, or request, is congruent with overall classroom decorum or best educational practice. The key that unlocks the door to parent and teacher team teaching is personal communication, with an emphasis on the personal part. The following steps will enhance that communication.
Most communication problems come about as a result of feeling misunderstood.
The best way to effectively communicate is to seek first for understanding rather than to be understood. When we are able to understand why someone thinks the way they do, then we are much more likely to solve a problem. This requires much more listening than talking. You know the kind, Cross-fire, Hard Ball, etc. They are frustrating because no one listens.