Parent-Professional Partnership Tip Sheet

11 Tips for Success When Working Together

1. Assume positive intent
2. Listen
3. Be honest & kind~ but stay true to your beliefs and values.
4. Follow through and do what you say you will do.
5. Have an awareness of and empathy for the feelings and responsibilities of one another.
6. If you don’t understand –ask!
7. Remember that your contribution is essential to accessing the appropriate services for your child and for systems change! Children live in families, so only family members can truly comment on whether a support, medication, service or therapy improves a child’s ability to be healthier and happier in their home and community.
8. When sharing your family experience to illustrate the need for change- do it carefully and strategically. Keep it short and to the point, ask yourself: does this detail help to illustrate my point or support my issue? If not leave that part out.
9. Try to see the issue from their position, Consider:
   1. What are their concerns and constraints regarding this issue?
   2. What are their goals?
10. Recognize that everyone has expertise including yourself.
11. Choose your words carefully- and know that others may become defensive even when you do. If things did not go well for your family while receiving services and supports, professionals may legitimately feel it is a reflection of themselves or their organization. They may feel the need to defend themselves, their policies, services or supports. Try not to take it personally.