7 Tips for Parent WhatsApp Groups

Current technological advances allow us to be increasingly more involved in our children’s education. Nowadays, there are platforms to see their grades online and even notifications about the latest news related to their studies. The Internet has revolutionized the current education system. However, one of the most common ways to stay informed about our children’s education are parent WhatsApp groups. Creating them allows parents to stay in contact with other parents and exchange opinions and knowledge. They also help parents feel less isolated in the process.

Aside from all of these advantages, parent WhatsApp groups can also bring many problems if not managed correctly. Therefore, this article will talk about what you should know to take full advantage of their potential.

How to use parent WhatsApp groups correctly?

The use of information technology requires previous preparation in order to apply it in the most efficient way possible. In the case of parent Whatsapp groups, the most important recommendations are:

• Always exercise tolerance.
• Express ideas assertively.
• Cooperate with the other parents.
• Use them as query tools.
• Use them as a complementation to parent meetings.
• Always respect teachers and experts.
• Don’t use them as a substitute for your presence at school.

Let’s look at them one by one.

1 – Always exercise tolerance

Just like our kids’ classes, parent WhatsApp groups consist of people who may have different beliefs, nationalities, ideas, and traditions. In these situations, conflict easily arises, as well as an uncomfortable environment with the other parents in the group.

Therefore, in order to get the most out of this tool, it’s imperative to learn how to be tolerant of people with different ideas. Moreover, if we identify a conflict between parents, it’s a good idea to try to mediate between them. With this, we could bring back a good tolerant environment to the parent WhatsApp group.

2 – Express ideas assertively

Communication isn’t always easy when we’re part of a large group, and it’s even more difficult when it comes to written communication. Therefore, if you want to take full advantage of parent WhatsApp groups, you must communicate effectively and efficiently.

To do so, use assertive communication or active listening. Those are key elements in creating a positive environment. Despite the difficulty of conveying opinions and ideas in a non-personal form of communication when you can’t see the other person, it’s possible with a little bit of practice.

3 – Cooperate with the other parents

Parent WhatsApp groups can be useful tools, but only if the members agree on their objectives and work together towards them. And so, if you want them to work well, you will have to establish a common goal and support the rest of the parents in the group.

Depending on the systematic focus, it’s beneficial to think of the group as if it had its own identity in order to get its members to cooperate. The moment a conflict arises, ask yourself: What’s the team missing to function correctly? The answers to this will help create an environment of cooperation.

4 – Use them as query tools

Sometimes our child forgets about an assignment or doesn’t show us their grades, exam dates, and other important information. When this happens, parent WhatsApp groups are a fundamental tool to keep us up to date.

Don’t be afraid to ask the other parents each time you have doubts about your child’s assignments or when you think you may be overlooking something important.

5 – Use them as a complementation to parent meetings

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

In these meetings, all parents and guardians, even those who don’t have WhatsApp, can express their opinions. Additionally, you can have direct contact with the school’s teachers and staff members, therefore having more influence in your kid’s education.

6 – Always respect teachers and experts

Sometimes, teachers make mistakes and we’ll disagree with their techniques. This is especially true nowadays that academic failure is at such high levels. However, parent WhatsApp groups should never fulfill the need to complain about teachers. If you do this, it’s very possible that the rumors will spread, and you may create some damaging consequences:

• If your kid finds out what you think of their teacher, they’ll lose respect for them. This will make it that much more difficult for the teacher to educate them.
• The teachers could find out what you think, making communication with them more difficult. This communication is imperative for your child’s education.

If you have any complaints about your kid’s educators, the best thing to do is to speak privately to the parents you’re close with. Even better, speak directly to the teacher or their superiors. This way, you can find a solution to the problem instead of creating conflict.

7 – Don’t use them as substitutes for your presence at school

When you speak with other parents daily, it’s easy to feel like you’re involved in your child’s education. But the most effective way to be involved in this process is to have parent-teacher meetings. As much as technology advances, chat groups will never substitute these meetings.

Therefore, whenever you can, request a meeting with your child’s educators. This way, you’ll be able to know them and know what things you can do to help your kid’s education.