Parents and teachers are interested in the same thing, the wellbeing and growth of the student. Keeping the student centered helps when an educator must broach a difficult topic with a parent, such as challenging behavior. Approaching challenging classroom behaviors with curiosity and an intent to problem solve engages parents in the process, sets them at ease, and allows you to blend your experience and expertise as an educator with their intimate understanding of their child to find solutions. Apart from challenging behaviors, parents want to know how children are doing at school. Frequent, small, positive communications about individual students' everyday successes help build a positive foundation for learning. A positive, two sentence email or message to a parent appreciating their child's efforts is one of the most powerful tools for motivating good work in the classroom. Take a few minutes every day to write five positive messages home and watch the benefits manifest in the classroom.