Framing Difficult Feedback for Parents

Parents are often the first people to see and receive difficult feedback. However, sometimes feedback is framed in a way that makes it difficult to understand or accept. If you’re giving feedback to a parent, it’s important to be clear and concise in your wording.
The following tips can help you frame feedback in a way that is easy for parents to understand:
- Use specific examples.
When giving feedback, it’s important to be specific. For example, rather than saying “You didn’t do your best,” try saying “You missed the mark by X degrees.” This will help the parent understand exactly what they did wrong and make it easier for them to correct their behavior.
- Avoid using negative language.
Negative language can be difficult for parents to understand. For example, instead of saying “You didn’t do a very good job,” try saying “Your work was below average.” This will make the feedback more understandable and less painful for the parent.
- Use positive language.
When giving feedback, it’s important to use positive language. For example, rather than saying “You did a great job,” try saying “You exceeded expectations.” This will help the parent see their successes and will give them a sense of hope for the future.
- Use the “I” pronoun.
When giving feedback, it’s important to use the “I” pronoun. For example, rather than saying “You didn’t do as well as you could have,” try saying “I felt like you could have done better.” This will help the parent feel like they’re being listened to, and it will help them improve their own performance in the future.