Schools often support entire families, not just students. While strong partnerships can be rewarding, especially for the student, keeping families engaged can feel like a daunting task. Teachers are stretched thin, administrators are pulled in multiple directions, and caregivers don’t always know how to connect. But when schools treat families as partners, trust builds, culture improves, and student support gets stronger.
Here are five practical ways to help make that happen.
1. Move Beyond Logistics and Into Support
Back-to-school nights and supply lists don’t prepare families for the hard stuff. What they really need is guidance on how to support learning at home, how to respond when their child is struggling socially, and what’s typical for their child’s age.
While many caregivers are navigating these stages for the first time, teachers and school leaders have worked with hundreds of students. Sharing that experience, without judgment, builds trust and helps school feel less like a mystery—especially for first-time parents and caregivers.
2. Make It Easy for Families to Speak Up
Most caregivers want to be involved but aren’t sure how. Even those who stay engaged might not know the right questions to ask. Small shifts in how schools invite feedback can make a big difference. Provide simple language and invite questions early in the year, not just when something goes wrong.
A brief conversation or call at the start of the year can set a welcoming tone and lay the foundation for stronger communication later on.
3. If Families Don’t Attend Events, Rethink the Format
Low turnout doesn’t always mean families aren’t interested. Sometimes, the format doesn’t work, and for many adults, sitting through a long presentation after a full workday can be exhausting.
Try recording the information-heavy parts in a shareable format, like a podcast, and use in-person time for conversation. Let families meet one another, talk through shared concerns, or just connect face-to-face. Small changes, like providing name tags or organizing breakout conversations, can shift the tone from formal to friendly.
It’s not about adding more. It’s about using time in ways that help families feel included and supported.
4. Create Space for Connection, Not Just Updates
Caregivers often feel isolated. With fewer built-in support networks, school can become one of the few places where real community takes shape. Hosting informal gatherings around topics like screen time or emotional development helps families feel seen and supported.
These don’t need to be formal or complex. The goal is simple: create a space where people can connect and feel less alone.
5. Share the “Why” Behind Big Changes
When a new policy is introduced, a quick email often isn’t enough. Families want to understand the purpose. Give them a chance to ask questions, acknowledge their concerns, and show how the change supports students.
When families feel informed, they’re more likely to support decisions, even when they don’t fully agree. This kind of honest communication builds trust and models the same approach we ask students to take: listen, think critically, and work through challenges together.
When schools focus on open communication, shared understanding, and genuine partnership, families feel it. For more strategies to strengthen these connections, tune into episode 111 of Teaching Channel Talks with host Dr. Wendy Amato and special guest, parent consultant Peyten Williams.
