One of the most beneficial aspects of teaching or coaching gymnastics, dance or swimming is the level of engagement parents of young athletes have. If there’s one thing we know about today’s parents, it’s that they are hyper-invested in the success and happiness of their children. 

While their enthusiasm can be difficult to manage at times, it’s important to remember that a key element to a child’s success at your facility revolves around one thing- communication with their family. 

Effective instructor-parent communication is essential to the success of students enrolled at your program. At a time when we are inundated with information, it’s important now more than ever that you simplify communication with parents at your facility. So where do you start?

There are many ways to streamline and simplify communication with parents at your gymnastics gym, swim school or dance studio. Here are our four favorite:

4 ways to simplify communication with parents

Be crystal clear and transparent

From their first interaction with your business, let parents know why, when and how often they’ll be hearing from your team. Whether it’s an email, text message, phone call or they have to log-in to a specific platform to receive notifications from your program- make sure you have painted the appropriate picture for them of what communication looks like at your facility. 

Secondly, don’t forget to let parents know how you prefer to receive communication. After all, communication is a two-way street.

Let them know when to take action

It’s important for instructors and coaches to ensure that students are continuing to be challenged, right? With that in mind, there are certain times when you’ll need parents to be an extension of your classes and take action. 

Virtual classes assistance

If parents have learned how to do anything this year, it’s how to use Zoom and other online tools that help facilitate virtual learning. They are pros.

If your facility is offering virtual classes, corral parents into helping get their kids logged-in to class each week. We all know how easy it is to blow off a virtual event. Enlisting the parent’s help will hold kids accountable to showing up which will only help enhance their skill set as the season progresses. 

Need help hosting all your virtual classes in one secure location? Set-up your Jackrabbit Parent Portal today! 

Set-up my Parent Portal

Working on a skills at home

Instructors should always be able to express to parents how their child is progressing at a certain skill. A perfect example of asking a parent to take action is if a child is falling behind and needs to practice a certain skill at home. 

Keep instructions on how parents can help their child practice a skill at home as clear and concise as possible. Avoid using big, buzz words. Chances are they will be more confusing to the parent than helpful.  

[——> Information on tracking skills using Jackrabbit Class]

Scheduling upcoming absences

An important time for a parent to take action is when their student or family has a scheduling conflict and needs to miss class. 

Do they understand what your makeup policy is and how to utilize it? Do you allow parents to schedule their own absences and make-up classes? If so, make sure they know the appropriate steps to take to document a future absence. 

[——> Information on allowing parents to schedule absences using Jackrabbit Class]

Respond to parent concerns with empathy and understanding

I get it. It can be difficult to communicate clearly and effectively with parents who may not be giving you the same courtesy. 

When a parent approaches or emails you with a problem or concern, listen carefully and do whatever you can to help enhance your customer’s experience. Restate the issue so they know you hear them, then respond empathically. Diplomacy can help you get a resolution quicker. And remember, whatever you do, do not engage in an argument with the parent.

Make commonly-requested information available online

Each dance studio, gymnastics gym or swim school is made up of many moving parts. Providing answers to frequently asked questions in an easy-to-access format will help streamline communication and reduce the amount of time your staff spends answering questions. 

Examples include:

• Where to find class listings
• How to register for classes and events online
• Tuition information
• Details on office hours

Bottom line:

While there are many components that can help simplify communication with parents and staff, it’s possible to make it easy. With the perfect balance of preparedness and flexibility, your team can create a facility that is conducive to providing best-in-class communication to parents and families. 

Looking for a solution that allows you to streamline communication with parents and simplify other tasks at your facility? Join Jackrabbit Class today! 

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