What should communication with parents always aim to achieve?

Effective communication with parents should always aim to produce shared meanings, as this fosters a collaborative relationship between educators and families. When educators communicate with parents, it is essential to ensure that both parties have a mutual understanding of the child's development, needs, and experiences. This shared understanding enhances trust and cooperation, enabling both parents and teachers to support the child more effectively.

Producing shared meanings involves active listening, providing opportunities for dialogue, and acknowledging parents' perspectives and insights. When parents feel they are part of the decision-making process and understand the information conveyed by educators, they are more likely to engage positively in their child's education. This can lead to better outcomes for the child, as a supportive home-school connection is crucial for early childhood development.

In contrast, establishing authority may create a power imbalance in the relationship, which could hinder open communication. Delivering information without encouraging dialogue could result in misunderstandings and disengagement. Minimizing conflict is certainly a commendable goal, but it is more effective to aim for mutual understanding, as this proactive approach prevents conflicts from arising in the first place.