They aren't just for adults any more. A growing number of schools across the country are encouraging moms and dads to bring their kids along to parent-teacher conferences, starting in kindergarten.
Talking about a child's schoolwork in front of him seems to boost his self-confidence. "Including the students in the process gives them a voice," says Marilyn Haring, dean of the School of Education at Purdue University.
How so? They get to show off their artwork and other accomplishments in front of the adults who mean the most to them. And kids who may be struggling to master a concept like sharing, for instance, can also benefit when they brainstorm with their parents and teacher. (Sensitive issues can be discussed privately at a later time, of course.)
Another plus: Schools that have such conferences note that parent attendance has considerably improved.
This article first appeared in Parenting magazine, April, 2001.