Sometimes parent meetings can be horrible. There is always the one parent who asks the tough question. The one who is out to get you. I my favorite is "over-protective" parent who will expose you plan and its flaws for being unsafe. Yes the parent meeting can be tough, but I think there are some things you can do to help you survive.
1. SCHEDULE EARLY. Have your parent meetings scheduled for the year and give them information they need so they can be there. We schedule a parent meeting once every two months. Parents hate surprises and have busy schedules. So at the beginning of the school year, plan out your parent meetings and then stick to them. NEVER cancel a parent meeting on late notice. They will burn you alive if they show up and are not having one.
2. TRIPLE COMMUNICATE. Give them in writing what you are communicating. Then walk through it in the meeting and then email it to them the next day. That will help them and you remember what you covered.
3. BE IN CHARGE. Look prepared. Dress prepared. Welcome them at the door as they arrive and hand them the right information. Above all communicate that you don't think this is a waste of time. You have to earn their respect and the parent meeting is one place that can be gained and lost quickly.
4. START ON TIME. Don't waste their time. They have schedules. If you start your first one late...they will continually show up late for the rest.
5. DON'T ASK FOR INPUT. Input is good and you need it from parents, but not in the parent meeting setting. There are people who will have suggestions who no nothing about students ministry. Questions on the content is fine but don't open the floor to everyone who thinks they know how to run the Student Ministry.
6. THE TOUGH QUESTION. It is going to happen. Someone is going to ask you a question you don't know or are not ready for. Don't be afraid to say..."great question, let's get together and talk about this week." Don't let one question take you away from the objective of the meeting.
7. HAVE THEM PREPARED. If you will make it a priority to communicate well to parents through your website, emails, phone call, the bulletin, letters, and every other format you can think... it will make your parents at ease. The worst parent meeting you will ever have is one where your parents feel like you have not informed them on what is going on.
As always on this blog..the comments are open for your thoughts and your suggestions.
Jason
