Creating Authentic Relationships With Parents of Young Children: A Practical Guide for Educators

Dealing with parents can be scary and intimidating, especially when you are relatively new to your role, but it can also be hugely rewarding. What do you need to know? Which barriers are you likely to face? Most importantly, how can you nurture a positive and authentic relationship with parents and carers where you genuinely work together for the best interests of the child?

Written by authors who have experienced being on both sides of the fence, as educators and as parents, this practical book takes a frank approach to recognising the turbulent world of parenting and shines a light on issues that are, all too often, dismissed. It considers the pragmatic, kind, and caring ways that educational settings can support parents’ struggles, as well as benefitting from their wide-ranging knowledge and capabilities.

With activities and reflections included throughout, the book invites the reader to consider their practice, and to look at their relationships with parents with fresh eyes, all whilst keeping the child in mind. With a focus on celebrating the value of truly listening and forming authentic relationships, this book will be essential reading for early years’ educators, childminders, primary teachers, TAs, and SENCOs.

Carla Solvason is Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Children and Families at the University of Worcester, UK.

Johanna Cliffe is Lecturer at The Learning Institute, a partner organisation of the University of Worcester, UK.