March 6, 2025Tati Bueno
Creating partnerships with parents can feel daunting at first. We don’t always know much about their backgrounds, cultures, or the challenges they face, yet they trust us with their most precious treasures—their children. Whilst making sure the children are happy and thriving is our main focus, it’s just as important to understand and support the parents too. Building strong relationships with them is essential for our practice and the children’s wellbeing.
The first step in building good relationships with parents is empathy. It’s important to see things from their perspective, keeping in mind that, while we have professional training, parents are the true experts on their children. Many parents might feel unsure or even overwhelmed by their parenting choices, so it’s our job to create a safe space where they can share their concerns, ask questions, and feel heard without judgment.
When I first meet parents, I make it clear that I’m here for them as much as for their children. I like to let them know we’re a team, working together to help their child grow and thrive. Keeping an open-door policy, where parents feel comfortable reaching out anytime, really helps build trust and makes them feel supported.
Home visits can be a wonderful way to connect with parents. Getting a glimpse of a child’s home environment and family life can help us understand their needs better. It also shows parents that we genuinely care about their child’s world outside of the setting. This kind of connection can help making parents feel more comfortable and open with us.
During these visits, it’s easier to talk about routines, favourite foods, dietary requirements or any little nuances they would feel more comfortable discussing at home. When parents see that we’re interested in what works best for their family, they’re more likely to trust our advice and work together with us to support their child’s development.
For many parents, especially in busy cities like London, leaving their child at a nursery can be a tough choice – and their only choice. Some might not have a any support system to help out besides us, so any little update about their child’s day can make a huge difference. Sharing highlights, new skills, or even just a funny story can help parents feel more connected and at ease.
These small updates show parents that their child is safe, happy, and well-cared for, making it a bit easier for them to go about their day without worrying too much. It can bring them comfort, knowing that their child is happy and loved.
While it’s important to build a friendly connection with parents, keeping things professional is just as vital. Setting clear boundaries helps avoid misunderstandings and makes sure everyone’s on the same page. Whether it’s about health policies or handling tricky situations, sticking to the setting’s guidelines can make these conversations a lot smoother.
Your tone matters too! Being warm, polite, supportive and positive—even when things get a bit tense—helps keep the relationship respectful and constructive.
Consistency between home and the setting is super important for a child’s development. Chatting with parents about routines—like mealtime, naptime, or even potty training—can help children feel more secure. Sharing strategies that work well at the nursery and encouraging parents to try them at home can make things easier for the child. When parents feel included and informed, they’re more likely to try these strategies at home too.
At the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to support the children—it’s also about boosting parents’ confidence. Parenting can be tough, and many parents worry if they’re doing it right. By sharing tips and having open, understanding conversations, we can help them feel more sure of their choices.
Building these warm, trusting relationships with parents might take time and effort, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job. By approaching parents with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine willingness to help, we can create a strong, positive partnership that benefits everyone—especially the children!
About the author
Tati Bueno is an Early Years Practitioner with a passion for education and for supporting children to have the best start in life. With over 10 years of experience across Brazil, the United States, and England, Tati’s main interests are communication and language and personal, social, and emotional development.
