Table of Contents
PrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the Author1. Understanding the Lives of Parents: Why Do They Do Those Things They Do?Scenario: "If the Parents Would Just... "Demands and DecisionsWhat Experts Have to SayQuick Tips on Important IssuesPopular LiteratureA Theoretical Look at Parenting StylesSo, What's the Problem?What's a Parent to Do?Avoid ExtremesFocus on the Target Goals of ParentingTry Hard...and Keep TryingThe Kids Have a RoleChildren Grow and ChangeParents Change and Develop TooHelping Parents Who Have Special StrugglesTroubled ParentsParents With Troubled KidsParents Love Their KidsAdditional ResourcesBooksWeb Sites2. Collaborating With Parents: How Can Teachers Build Relationships That Work?Scenario: "Is It Going to Matter? "Understanding Complementary Spheres of Knowledge and InfluenceWhat Do Teachers Mean When They Say They Want Support?What Do Parents Want From Teachers?What Qualities in a Teacher Are Most Important to Parents?What Positive and Negative Experiences With Teachers Do Parents Remember?What Do Parents Do When a Child Dislikes the Teacher?What Do Parents Do When They Disagree With the Teacher?Professionalism...in a Personal WayWorking With Parents: Key Strategies for TeachersGreet Parents With Respect and Interest in Their ChildrenSolicit and Utilize Parent Questions, Advice, and CommentsThink About HomeworkDevelop "We-ness "Be Prepared With Interesting, Meaningful InformationBe Honest...and PatientBe Professional...in a Personal WayAsk Not What the Parents Can Do for You but What You Can Do for the ParentsCoping With Difficult Parents...or Parents With DifficultiesSometimes It's a Difficult SituationSometimes It's the ParentSometimes It's the StudentAnd Sometimes It's the TeacherConclusionAdditional ResourcesBooksWeb Sites3. Advocating for Parents: What Are Powerful Messages We Can Share?Scenario: "I Didn't Know How to Say It "Message One: All of Us Have Parents...and Most of Us Become ThemThe Problem With Ethnocentrism: Like Me/Not Like Me ThinkingThe Problem With AssumptionsA Gentle ReminderMessage Two: Many Powerful Factors Create Misconceptions About ParentingRemembering the PastMedia InfluencesHabits of MindThe Real DealMessage Three: Most Parents Are Good EnoughChildren's Health and HappinessTime and AttentionEncouraging LearningWhen There Are ProblemsMessage Four: Successful Families Come in Different Shapes and SizesMoms and DadsSingle ParentsStepparentsWhat the Children WantMessage Five: It Really Does Take a Village to Raise a ChildMembers of the VillageWhat the Village Can DoMessage Six: Schools That Advocate for Families Reap Multiple RewardsAttitude and AtmosphereBuildings and BridgesCommunication, Collaboration, and CompetenceParting WordsAdditional ResourcesBooksWeb SitesReferencesIndex
