Seven Tips For WhatsApp Groups For Parents

Have you ever heard of Whatsapp groups for parents? Current technological advancements allow us to be more and more involved in our children’s education. Things like their grades and even the latest news regarding their studies, we can all check online these days.

The internet has revolutionized the current education system. However, one of the most common ways to keep up to date with our kids’ education is WhatsApp groups.

By creating them, parents can keep in touch with other parents and exchange opinions and knowledge. They also make parents feel more involved in the process.

However, apart from all these advantages , WhatsApp groups for parents can also bring a lot of problems if not managed properly. In this article, therefore, you will find everything you need to know to take full advantage of their potential.

How to properly use WhatsApp groups for parents?

The use of information technology requires preliminary preparation to apply it in the most efficient way. In the case of Whatsapp groups for parents, the main recommendations are :

• Always remain tolerant.
• Be assertive in proposing ideas.
• Work with the other parents.
• Use them to gather information.
• Use them as a supplement to parent evenings.
• Respect the teachers and experts.
• Do not use them as a substitute for your school attendance.

Let’s look at them one by one.

1. Always be tolerant

Like our children’s classes , WhatsApp groups for parents are made up of people of different beliefs, nationalities, ideas, and traditions. Conflicts easily arise in these situations, as well as uncomfortable situations for the other parents in the group.

Therefore, in order to get the best out of these groups, it is necessary to learn to be tolerant of people with different ideas. In addition, it is a good idea to mediate if a conflict arises between the other parents. This way we can stimulate a good tolerant environment in the WhatsApp group.

2. Be assertive in proposing ideas

Good communication is not always easy within large groups, and this is even more true when it comes to written communication. Therefore, if you want to make the most of WhatsApp groups for parents, you need to communicate effectively and efficiently.

Use assertive communication or active listening for this. These are key elements in creating a positive environment. While it is difficult to convey opinions and ideas when you cannot see the other person, with a little practice it is possible.

3. Work with the other parents

WhatsApp groups for parents can be useful tools, but only if the members agree on their goals and work towards them together. It is therefore important to establish a common goal and support the rest of the parents in the group.

Depending on the system within the group, it is good to see the group as having its own identity. This will promote cooperation between members.

The moment a conflict arises, ask yourself: what is the team missing to function correctly? The answers to this will contribute to the creation of good cooperation.

4. Use them to get information

Sometimes our child forgets an assignment or does not show his grades, exam dates and other important information. When this happens, the parent WhatsApp groups are a fundamental tool to keep us up to date.

Don’t be afraid to ask the other parents for information if you are unsure about your child’s assignments or if you think you are overlooking something important.

5. Use them as a complement to parent evenings

Communicating via WhatsApp is much easier than having to go to your child’s school. Especially since we lead such busy lives these days. However, chat groups should never be a substitute for real parent evenings.

On these evenings, all parents and guardians, including those who do not have WhatsApp, can give their opinion. In addition, you can have direct contact with the teachers and staff of the school, and therefore have more influence on the education of your child.

6. Respect the teachers and experts

Sometimes teachers make mistakes and we will disagree with their techniques. This is especially true now that school dropouts are so common. However, whatsapp groups for parents should never be a place where we complain about the teachers. If you do, there is a good chance that rumors will spread. This can have some negative consequences:

• If your child finds out what you think of his teacher, he will lose respect for this teacher. This makes it much more difficult for the teacher to teach your child.

• The teachers can find out what you’re thinking, making communication with them more difficult. This communication is necessary for the education of your child.

If you have complaints about your child’s teachers, it is best to discuss them one-on-one with a parent you know well. Or better yet, discuss them directly with the teacher or his superior. This way you can find a solution to the problem instead of creating conflict.

7. Don’t use them as a substitute for your school attendance

When you talk to other parents on a daily basis, it’s easy to feel like you’re involved in your child’s upbringing. However, the most effective way to get involved in this process is to attend parent evenings. No matter how advanced the technology gets, these evenings will never replace it.

Therefore, always try to be present at the parents’ evenings. This way you can get to know the teachers and know what you can do to help with your child’s education.