by: Peggy Gisler, Ed.S. and Marge Eberts, Ed.S.
Parent-teacher conferences present an excellent opportunity to find out how your child is adjusting to the new school year and to get to know her teachers.
Here are some general hints on how to have a successful conference.
![Young student sitting at desk smiling Young student sitting at desk smiling](/sites/default/files/fe_slideshow/1999_09/Elementary_School_Student_Talking_H.jpg)
Talk to Your Child
Ask your child if there is anything that he would like you to discuss with the teacher.
![Father helping his young son with homework Father helping his young son with homework](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Father_Son_Homework_Preparing_H.jpg)
Be Prepared
Jot down everything that you want to talk about at the conference.
![Parent and teacher sitting in classroom talking Parent and teacher sitting in classroom talking](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Parents_Classroom_On_Time_H.jpg)
Be On Time
Arrive promptly or a few minutes early.
![Teacher helping young student with schoolwork Teacher helping young student with schoolwork](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Teacher_Student_Good_Start_H.jpg)
Start Off on the Right Foot
Begin with positive comments about the teacher or classroom.
![Student and teacher smiling in classroom Student and teacher smiling in classroom](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Teacher_Student_On_Track_H.jpg)
Stay on Track
Avoid lengthy discussions of topics that are not related to the purpose of the conference.
![Close up of teacher with child writing on chalkboard in background Close up of teacher with child writing on chalkboard in background](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Teacher_Child_Chalkboard_Listen_H.jpg)
Listen to What the Teacher Has to Say
Be open-minded to suggestions from the teacher.
![Smiling student holding up good report card Smiling student holding up good report card](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Good_Report_Card_Calm_H.jpg)
Stay Calm
Keep your emotions under control.
![Father and son talking at dinner table Father and son talking at dinner table](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Father_Son_Talking_H.jpg)
Tell Your Child What You Discussed
Take notes about what has been discussed to share with your child.
![Happy boy holding up good report card Happy boy holding up good report card](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Good_Report_Card_Gratitude_H.jpg)
Show Gratitude
Express appreciation for the conference.
![Teacher talking to her young students Teacher talking to her young students](/sites/default/files/collection-item/Students_Teacher_Time_H.jpg)
Stay Within Your Conference Time
Do not stay beyond your allotted time.