In order for a family to make the most of a parent-teacher meeting, it is important to first remember the purpose of the meeting: it is an exchange between the teacher and the parents aimed at offering and sharing information, with the goal of supporting and promoting the child’s development.

To achieve this, coordination between the family and the school is essential. Both parties must move forward together in the same direction… oriented towards personalized education.

1. Think about what you want to discuss with the teacher and write it down:
   • If you arrive with your written questions, you won’t forget anything and will be able to address all your queries and concerns.
2. Show understanding and respect while maintaining active listening:
   • It’s possible that you discover a child very different from the one you see at home. You already know this: children do not behave the same way depending on the place or the people. This is why it is so important to be consistent and follow the same routines.
3. Share important and relevant information about your child.
   • Any changes in situation or important data will help the teacher better understand the child and support them effectively. You are the ones who know your child best.
4. Participate and engage actively and continuously in school activities.
   • Parent-teacher meetings are essential for the development and personal growth of your children. Therefore, they deserve all your attention and respect. Parents are the first educators of their children, and the school is there to support you in this process.
5. Note the final agreements and suggestions.
   • Gather the information shared during the meeting, as well as the guidelines to follow at home. This will allow you to implement them more effectively and track the progress of the process.

Does he really have to give up the pacifier already? But he is still so little, many parents say.

WHEN?

The Spanish Association of Paediatrics recommends removing the pacifier from the age of one. From that point on, it no longer provides any obvious benefit and can even increase the risk of otitis media. Prolonged use of the pacifier beyond 2 years is associated with negative effects on dental health, altering the alignment of the teeth.

HOW?

1. Avoid using the pacifier at our convenience, such as to make the child wait longer between meals.
2. A very useful tip is to **slightly cut the pacifier**, which reduces its soothing effect, and the child will gradually give it up.
3. Reduce the times the child uses the pacifier, so that eventually, they only use it for sleeping.
4. If the child manages to go without it at certain times, praise them and remind them how they are growing.
5. Do not leave the pacifier in sight. Only give it to them when they are truly inconsolable.
6. Avoid having the pacifier removal coincide with other important events, such as the birth of a sibling, moving house, potty training, etc.
7. If they fall asleep with it, gently remove it so they lose the habit of constantly having it in their mouth.
8. Set a date to start the countdown. Talk to them about it and try to stick to the agreement.
9. Be creative in offering alternatives to the pacifier: activities to distract them, emotional support to comfort them, or a substitute object like a cuddly toy to hold.
10. Understanding, time, and a large dose of patience.

How to stimulate language?

• Talk to the child often and articulate clearly. It is important not to imitate them and to repeat correctly the words they mispronounce.
• Spend time with the child and communicate with them.
• Use songs, stories, games, and anything that can enrich their vocabulary.
• Take advantage of daily life to talk to them.
• When shopping or at home, tell them what you see, show them the objects.
• It is important to give them time to express themselves without rushing.
• Make them feel that you are listening and that you want to share their language.
• Encourage them to interact with other children.
• It’s difficult, but parents shouldn’t stress, and neither should the child.

A specialist can assess the situation using tests and measurement scales. They will also evaluate:

• What the child understands.
• What the child says.
• How they interact to communicate: pointing, gestures…
• The sounds they make and the clarity of their speech.
• The development of their mouth: lips, tongue, and palate.