19/10/2025
📌Parent-Teacher Conference Prep: Talking About Mental Health, Not Just Academics
Parent-teacher conferences are coming up at most international schools. Here are how to make mental health part of the conversation.
Why mental health should be discussed at academic conferences:
🍀Mental health directly impacts academic performance
🍀Teachers see your child 6+ hours daily
🍀Collaboration improves outcomes for everyone
🍀Early intervention prevents crisis situations
🍀Questions to Ask Teachers:
About Emotional Wellbeing:
🍀'How does my child seem emotionally during the school day?'
🍀 'Have you noticed any changes in their social interactions?'
🍀'What do you see as their biggest adjustment challenges?'
🍀'How do they handle stress or frustration in class?'
About Cultural Adjustment:
🍀'How is my child navigating cultural differences in the classroom?'
🍀'Are there language or communication barriers affecting their performance?'
🍀 'What cultural adjustments have you observed?'
🍀'How can we support their bicultural identity development?'
About Support Needs:
🍀'What additional support might help my child succeed emotionally and academically?'
🍀 'Are there school counseling resources available?'
🍀'How can we work together if adjustment challenges continue?'
🍀'What should I watch for at home that would concern you?'
📋 Information to Share with Teachers:
About Your Child's Background:
🍀 Previous schools and educational systems
🍀 Major transitions or family changes
🍀Cultural background and languages spoken
🍀Learning styles and preferences
🍀Current adjustment challenges at home
About Family Support:
🍀What you're doing to support adjustment
🍀 Professional support your child is receiving
🍀Family stressors affecting your child
🍀Your goals for your child's development
Red Flags to Discuss Immediately:
🍀Dramatic personality changes at school
🍀Social isolation or peer conflicts
🍀Academic performance sudden decline
🍀Physical symptoms at school
🍀Behavioral changes from previous baseline
How to Frame Mental Health Positively:
🍀Instead of: 'My child has problems' Try: 'We're proactively supporting our child's adjustment'
🍀Instead of: 'They're struggling with mental health' Try: 'We're prioritizing their emotional wellbeing during this transition'
Follow-up Actions:
• Request regular check-ins if concerns arise
• Ask for school counselor introduction
• Discuss accommodation options if needed
• Plan for ongoing collaboration
Remember: Teachers want your child to succeed emotionally AND academically. Mental health conversations help them support your child more effectively.
We can help you prepare for these important conversations and advocate for your child's comprehensive wellbeing.
Parents: What mental health topics do you plan to discuss at parent-teacher conferences?
