Conflicts with children do not only arise in daycare – parents also experience tantrums, fights over toys, or emotional outbursts at home. A consistent, understanding approach between daycare and home strengthens the child and brings more calmness to both sides. In this tenth part of our blog series, we discuss how effective communication between professionals and parents can help resolve conflicts together. Open, appreciative collaboration not only leads to a more harmonious daily life but also gives children the security they need for healthy development.
Why Is Collaboration So Important?
Children benefit from consistent rules and values. Contradictory messages (“You can shout here, but not there”) can create confusion and increase conflicts. Parents and professionals bring different perspectives, which ideally complement each other in understanding the child better. Open, appreciative communication builds trust and makes it easier to find solutions together. Moreover, close collaboration helps parents feel like part of the solution rather than being left alone with their challenges.
Regular and Transparent Communication
Daily Check-Ins: Short conversations during drop-off or pick-up provide an opportunity to share updates. However, sensitive topics should be discussed in a quiet, scheduled setting. It is important for professionals to actively listen to parents and engage them with targeted questions.
Parent Meetings and Evenings: These meetings allow for discussions on conflict behaviors, developmental milestones, or daily routines. An open atmosphere encourages parents to share their concerns and observations. Practical examples or small role-plays can be particularly helpful in avoiding misunderstandings.
Parent Letters, Newsletters, and Digital Channels: These help share information about projects, pedagogical priorities, and organizational matters while fostering dialogue. Interactive options like surveys or feedback rounds can further promote exchange.
Understanding Different Parenting Styles and Lifestyles
Every family has its own values and approaches. Professionals should approach these with openness and respect. Not all strategies work equally well for every child – through dialogue, individualized solutions can be found. Questions like “How does your child react at home when they get angry?” or “Which strategies have worked well for you?” help generate ideas and concrete action plans. Considering cultural differences and finding practical solutions for all involved can also be beneficial.
Finding Joint Solutions to Conflicts
Analyzing the Problem: What exactly happens in the conflict? Who is involved? When does it occur most frequently? Professionals and parents bring different perspectives, all of which should be considered. A shift in perspective can help better understand causes and develop objective solutions.
Setting Goals: What should be achieved? (e.g., less fighting over sharing, a child-friendly way to express anger). Progress can be observed through concrete behavioral changes. Setting small milestones can make progress more visible.
Action Plans and Agreements: A structured plan defines who takes on which role. For example, parents might practice “I-messages” at home, while professionals introduce role-playing in daycare. Regular reflections help make necessary adjustments. Positive reinforcement, such as small reward systems, can also help encourage desired behaviors.
Support in Difficult Situations
In challenging cases, external support from counseling centers or therapists can be helpful. Professionals can assist parents in finding appropriate resources. Parents facing severe behavioral challenges often need relief themselves. An open and understanding daycare environment can provide this. Additionally, guiding parents toward peer support groups or family exchange programs can be beneficial.
Successes should be celebrated together – even small progress is a significant step towards a more peaceful daily routine. Highlighting positive moments and small achievements helps maintain motivation for all involved.
Tips for a Successful Parent-Daycare Relationship
- Appreciative Language: Instead of blaming (“Your child is always aggressive!”), use a neutral tone: “I’ve noticed that your child reacts very energetically when …”. Alternatively, a positive observation can be added: “I’ve noticed that your child calms down particularly well when …”.
- Active Listening: Ask questions (“How do you experience this at home?”) and paraphrase what was said (“So, you’re saying that …”). This shows parents that their concerns are taken seriously.
- Emphasizing Common Ground: “We both want your child to feel comfortable.” This creates a foundation for joint solutions.
- Ensuring Confidentiality: Sensitive information remains protected. Parents need to trust that their concerns are handled discreetly.
- Respecting Parental Decisions: Professionals can provide advice, but ultimately, decisions lie with the parents. Recommendations should be framed as suggestions rather than mandates.
- Acknowledging Parents’ Efforts: Parents do their best and deserve appreciation. Professionals can express this through small gestures or encouraging words.
Conclusion
A trusting collaboration between daycare and home creates a stable environment for the child. Regular conversations and jointly developed solutions strengthen cohesion. This way, not only do children feel secure, but parents and professionals can also handle challenges with greater ease. Especially during difficult phases, mutual understanding and support benefit everyone involved.
In the next article, we will explore when seeking professional help is advisable and what signs indicate that a conflict exceeds the usual scope. We will also highlight available support options for parents in challenging situations.
