How to Conduct a Parent Interview

A variety of professions use parent interviews to assess the children they work with. Schools and medical personnel top this list, as they talk to parents to determine the background and needs of the children they serve. Parents, of course, bring solid understanding to the table as they know their child better than anyone else does. Although specific personnel -- from day care providers to school counselors and psychologists -- will require somewhat different procedures, several common steps will guide you as you conduct effective parent interviews.

Instructions

• 1

  Review a questionnaire of your own devising that the parent has filled out before you meet with him. Make any notations on the questionnaire. You can mark the areas that stand out to you and use your time more effectively as you address those issues.

• 2

  Meet with the parent. Openly discuss any problem areas you see. Encourage the parent regarding the child's strengths as well as her weaknesses.

• 3

  Give the parent time to voice his concerns. Your goal is to help the child. Work with the parent to accomplish that end result.

• 4

  Offer suggestions and ways to improve needed areas, whether educational or medical. For example, if you interview a parent with an overweight child, give verbal encouragement and any related printed material on healthy eating and exercise. If the parent interview relates to educational issues, provide worksheets, websites and suggestions to reinforce the child's strengths.