Intro
Part A
Listening
Part B
Body Language
Part C
Verbal Communication
Part D
Problem Solving
Effective Words
Communicating With Parents
Electronic Communication
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Communicating With Parents
Put out the fires before they start
One common cause of troop derailment is miscommunication. Spend time thinking about how you
would like your troop to function.
- Prioritize what is important to you; then
lay out the ground rules. Perhaps having the girls picked up promptly is high on your list.
- Communicate clearly from the beginning.
Remember your idea of "on time" may be different from the next person, so be clear.
This does not mean stand up at your parent meeting and threaten the masses. Firmly, and with
a smile, tell your parents it is critical the girls are picked up at ___ o'clock as you are
unable to accommodate them once the meeting is over.
- Work out the little rubs before they become
your ulcers. Ask if anyone anticipates difficulty adhering to your parameters. Brainstorm now
for a solution. Share the names and phone numbers of the parents and encourage carpooling.
Do not play taxi driver. You would be sending a message to your parents that you don't
need their help, you are willing to do it all yourself.
- Back up your priority list in writing. This
is not hard. We're not talking Pulitzer Prize stuff here. A few handwritten lines by way of
an informal newsletter is fine. In fact, clear, concise, and to-the-point better suits our
busy society. People absorb information differently. Auditory may work well for one while
another will do better visually. They will also pay more attention to something that has
been reinforced. The message is received as clearly important. Further, you can reach all of
the parents, even those not in attendance.
- Distribute information in a timely and
reliable fashion. Remember you are going for smooth communication. It is vital that
information is distributed in a timely manner and by a reliable means. Information at the
last minute or children passing out paperwork at school can be your downfall. Worse, it can
leave parents feeling like you lack respect for them. Mutual respect is the cornerstone of
any healthy relationship.
- Avoid giving mixed messages. You
made the rules, you stick to them.
Good luck in the trenches!
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