Parents may feel overwhelmed when receiving an email about their child's behavior problems, especially if that is the only communication they receive from their child's teacher. To avoid this response, don't wait until a student has a behavior issue to get in touch with parents through email. Instead, send regular emails with updates on what is happening in class, and positive emails about student performance. In addition, stay as positive as possible concerning any behavioral issues you address through email.
Offer encouragement and a plan of action to parents when emailing them about their child's misbehavior, recommends the National Communication Association in its online publication Communication Currents. Let parents know that their child's behavior can be changed, and tell them about the steps you or school officials have taken to ensure that it does not happen again. In addition, let parents know what they can do to make a change in their child's behavior, such as discussing school rules at home, encouraging the child to take part in extracurricular activities or meeting with teachers and school administrators to come up with a plan of action.
When emailing parents about student behavior, be professional. While it is important to alert parents to their child's poor behavior, it is also important to be as professional in your email as you would be in person. If a student's misbehavior is serious or results in extreme consequences, such as suspension from school, it is better to speak in person about the matter, and email parents to set up a time to meet.
Invite parents to respond to your email. Encourage parents to send their response in an email, call you on the telephone or set up a meeting to speak with you in person. Let parents know their feedback is both welcome and necessary, and let them know they are an important part of their child's education. Stay in touch with parents through phone calls or follow-up emails, and ease parents' minds by giving them positive news about their child's behavior whenever possible.