At my kid's school, we parents wait our turn in the hallway, drinking decaf and trying to hide our anxiety behind our briefcases. When I'm ushered into the classroom, I wedge myself into a Lilliputian desk. Mrs. Widget smiles down with practiced patience. Nine minutes later, it's all over, and we're shaking hands. By the time I make it to the car, I have near complete amnesia about the experience.
Most parents adopt one of two basic approaches to the teacher conference.
This involves lots of smiling, nodding and offers of Florida time shares over the spring break. She says both the ingratiators and the intimidators have it wrong because they're concerned with power relationships rather than partnership. Even if your first meeting is weeks away, start thinking about it now. Ask your child what concerns he has about school and what is going well. Your child's teacher will start the meeting but should not dominate it.