Want to ace your next parents’ evening? We’ve got the expert-backed strategies you need
Parents’ evening is an excellent opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, learn how things are progressing at school, and discover ways to assist at home. Since time is often limited to 5-10 minutes per teacher, being prepared can make all the difference.
We’ve got the inside track from some of the UAE’s best schools on how to make parents’ evenings count. Their message? Be prepared, be focused, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Before the meeting, talk to your child
Start by chatting with your child. What’s going well? Any subjects they’re worried about? Is there anything they’d like you to raise with their teacher?
Review recent reports or marked work, noting any patterns—positive or otherwise. If your school encourages students to attend (especially common in Secondary), take them along. It can be empowering and helps reinforce that everyone is working together.
Smart questions that get useful answers
Avoid vague openers like “How’s she doing?” and go in with clear, focused questions. Teachers recommend the following:
About progress
- Is my child on track with their learning?
- What are they doing particularly well?
- Are there any areas for improvement?
- What do their recent assessments or grades tell us?
About engagement
- Do they contribute in class and stay engaged?
- Are they motivated and receptive to feedback?
About social wellbeing
- Are they settled and making friends?
- Do they work well with others?
About support
- How can we help at home?
- Are there any useful websites, books, or resources you recommend?
- How much time should they be spending on homework?
You might also like: Yalla 100 StandOut UAE Schools Guide
During the meeting: make it count
Make notes before and during the meeting to stay on track and remember key points. Ask for clarification if a teacher uses a term or system you’re unfamiliar with. You’re not expected to be an expert.
Be honest with teachers about any changes at home that might affect your child—and don’t be afraid to raise concerns. If something needs more time, ask to schedule a follow-up meeting.
Likewise, if the teacher raises concerns, try not to take them personally. View it as a chance to work together. Good teaching is about support and improvement, not criticism.
After the meeting: follow up
Share key takeaways with your child—highlighting the positives—and agree on any action points together. Check-in after a few weeks to see if progress is being made. If not, don’t wait for the next term—reach out and ask for an update.
And don’t forget the power of positive feedback. If your child enjoys a subject or talks fondly about a teacher, pass it on. It might just make their evening.
Final thoughts
Parents’ evenings are short, but they’re incredibly valuable. Done well, they can give you insight into your child’s academic life, build trust with teachers, and help you support learning at home.
Bring curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and a notepad. And if all else fails—ask what your child enjoys most. You’ll often get the most telling answer of all.
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