7 Tips For WhatsApp Groups For Parents

Current technological advances enable us to become increasingly involved in our children’s education. Today, there are platforms to see their grades online and even alerts about the latest news related to their studies. The Internet has revolutionized today’s education system. But one of the most common ways to stay informed about our children’s education is WhatsApp groups for parents. Creating them allows parents to stay in touch with other parents and exchange opinions and knowledge. They also help parents feel less isolated in the process.

Apart from all these benefits, WhatsApp groups for parents can also cause many problems if not used properly. Therefore, this article talks about what you should know in order to reach their full potential.

How to use WhatsApp groups for parents properly?

The use of information technology requires prior preparation in order to use it in the most efficient way. When it comes to WhatsApp groups for parents, the most important recommendations are:

• Always use tolerance.
• Express ideas in a confident way.
• Collaboration with the other parents.
• Use them as query tools.
• Use them as a complement to parent meetings.
• Always respect teachers and experts.
• Do not use them as a substitute for your presence at school.

Let’s look at them one by one.

1. Always use tolerance

Like our children’s classes, WhatsApp groups for parents are made up of people who may have different beliefs, nationalities, ideas and traditions. In these situations, conflicts easily arise, as well as an unpleasant environment with the other parents in the group.

Therefore, to get the most out of this tool,  it is important to learn to be tolerant of people with different ideas. Furthermore, if we identify a conflict between parents, it is a good idea to try to mediate between them. With this we can bring back a good environment to the parents’ WhatsApp group.

2. Express ideas in a confident way

Communication is not always easy when we are part of a large group, and it is even more difficult when it comes to written communication. Therefore, if you want to take full advantage of WhatsApp groups for parents, you need to communicate effectively.

To do this,  use confident communication or active listening. These are important elements for creating a positive environment. Despite the difficulty of conveying opinions and ideas in a non-personal form of communication when you can not see the other person, a little practice is possible.

3. Cooperation with the other parents

WhatsApp groups for parents can be useful tools, but only if the members  agree on their goals and work together to achieve them. And then, if you want them to work well, you need to establish a common goal and support the rest of the parents in the group.

Depending on the systematic focus, it is beneficial to think of the group as having its own identity in order to get its members to cooperate. The moment a conflict arises, ask yourself: What does the team lack in order to function properly? The answers to this will help to create a collaborative environment.

4. Use them as query tools

Sometimes our child forgets a lesson or does not show us their grades, exam dates and other important information. When this happens, WhatsApp groups for parents are a basic tool for keeping us up to date.

Do not be afraid to ask the other parents every time you are in doubt about your child’s homework  or when you think you are missing something important.

5. Use them as a complement to parent meetings

Communication via WhatsApp is much more convenient than having to go to the child’s school. This is especially true in today’s world because we live such busy lives. However  , chat groups should never be a substitute for real meetings.

At these meetings, all parents and guardians, even those who do not have WhatsApp, can express their opinions. In addition, you can have direct contact with the school’s teachers and staff, which has a greater influence on the child’s education.

6. Always respect teachers and experts

Sometimes teachers make mistakes and we disagree with their techniques. This is especially true today when academic failure is at such high levels. However , WhatsApp groups for parents should never meet the need to complain about teachers. If you do this, it is very possible that the rumors will spread and you can create some harmful consequences:

• If your child finds out what you think of the teacher, they will lose respect for them. This will make it much more difficult for the teacher to educate them.
• Teachers can figure out what you think,  which makes communication more difficult. This communication is important for the child’s education.

If you have any complaints about your child’s teachers, it’s best to talk privately with the parents you are close to. Even better, talk directly to the teacher or their supervisor. That way, you can find a solution to the problem instead of creating a conflict.

7. Do not use them as a substitute for your attendance at school

When you talk to other parents on a daily basis, it is easy to feel involved in your child’s education. However, the most effective way to get involved in this process is to have parent-teacher meetings. No matter how many technological advances we have made, chat groups will not replace these meetings.

Therefore, when you can,  request a meeting with the child’s teachers. That way, you can know them and know what to do to help your child’s education.