Networking

Do you know the parents of your children's friends? Do you have a other parents with whom you can discuss parenting issues? If the schools where your children attend have Parent Networks and you become involved, then you can answer yes to these questions. The purpose of Parent Networks is very simple…to provide an opportunity for parents to get to know one another and to talk about parenting concerns. Many of the Parent Council of Nashville member schools have Parent Networks. The networks are set up by parents, in cooperation with the schools, and facilitated by the parents. Parents Council of Nashville provides training for the facilitators as well as goals and guidelines for the networks.

The goals are for parents:

1. To get to know one another

2. To communicate with each other in order to increase awareness of issues 
facing children

3. To improve parenting skills

4. To support one another in the efforts to raise mature, responsible and 
self-sufficient young adults

The guidelines are as follows:

1. Constructive freedom of expression is encouraged with appropriate 
respect for individuals present and not present. Avoid names of parents, 
children, and teachers. Especially, avoid gossip.

2. Maintain confidentiality concerning what is discussed at the meetings.

3. Agree to disagree agreeably and allow each person to express him/herself 
without interruption or sideline talking.

4. Focus on sharing ideas and information rather than giving advice.

5. Do not discuss the school's administrative or policy issues. If a person has a concern relating to the school or the school's policies, the group can either ask the appropriate teacher or administrator to address the issue at a future meeting, or the parent should handle the concern independently by contacting the appropriate faculty/staff person at the school.

6. Begin and end meetings on time. Be aware of the time element when speaking, realizing that each person is entitled to time to express his or her viewpoint.

If you are interested in establishing networks at your school, click here.