PTM Questions for Parents: Upon arriving at a Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM), most parents immediately focus on their child's marks, grades, and academic performance. Seeing the report card often gives them the impression that they have gathered all the essential information about their child's school life. However, a child does much more than just study at school; they spend time with friends, grapple with difficult questions, make mistakes, and seek help when needed. Their behavior in these everyday situations can reveal various facets of their personality.

Communication coach and corporate trainer Maitri Mehta suggests asking questions during PTMs that go beyond grades and help in truly understanding the child.

Don't limit the PTM conversation to just marks
A PTM offers a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss the child. Restricting the conversation to how studies are progressing or why marks were low can limit the scope of the interaction. Asking about the child's behavior, friendships, and how they handle challenging situations can provide a clearer picture. In an Instagram video, Maitri Mehta shared five questions she considers useful for parents. The aim of these questions is not to judge the child, but to better understand their day-to-day behavior at school.

1. Who does my child sit with during lunch?

This question may seem simple, but it can provide insights into the child's friendships and social behavior. The teacher can share which peers the child feels comfortable with and whether they easily mingle within a group. If the child mostly sits alone or prefers the company of only one specific friend, parents can discuss this further. However, sitting alone is not necessarily a problem; every child has a unique temperament.

2. What does my child do when they find their studies difficult?
How does the child react when they don't understand a question or find an assignment challenging? Do they try again, ask the teacher for help, or simply withdraw and stay quiet? This question can help in understanding how the child learns. It can also give parents insight into how best to support their child with studies at home.

3. Who does the child turn to when upset?
A child might experience sadness, fear, or distress at school. It is important to know whom they talk to during such times. Ask the teacher whether the child shares their troubles with a friend, approaches the teacher, or keeps things to themselves. This can provide clues about the people they trust at school and their emotional behavior.

4. What does my child do when they make a mistake?
A child's reaction after making a mistake can reveal a lot about their behavior. Some children try to correct the error, while others get immediately discouraged or avoid seeking help. Asking the teacher about this helps parents understand how their child handles mistakes. Consequently, instead of scolding the child for errors at home, parents can adopt a better approach to discussing them.

5. Does my child help anyone at school?
Does the child focus solely on their own studies, or do they help other children when needed? This question helps in understanding their behavior towards peers. The teacher's response can offer parents a different perspective on the child's cooperative nature and how they interact with others. However, it would not be right to draw a definitive conclusion about the child's character based on a single incident.

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