Parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) are one of the most important tools for building a strong partnership between parents and educators.
In the Indian schooling system, these meetings are not just formalities- they are opportunities to understand your child’s progress, identify any challenges early, and work together to help them thrive.
Yet, many Indian parents often leave PTMs feeling they didn’t get much out of it. Maybe they didn’t know what to ask, or perhaps the conversation was too rushed.
With a little preparation, PTMs can become powerful moments of insight and collaboration.
In this blog, we’ll explore how parents can make the most of parent-teacher meetings, including key questions to ask, how to prepare, and what to do afterward.
Whether your child studies in a CBSE, ICSE, state board, or international school, these tips will help you have more meaningful conversations with teachers.
Why Parent-Teacher Meetings Matter
In India, academic pressure, competition, and parental expectations are often high. Children may not always express their struggles or achievements at home. PTMs serve as a bridge to fill that communication gap. They allow you to:
- Understand your child’s academic strengths and areas of improvement
- Track behavioral and emotional development
- Learn about classroom behavior and participation
- Clarify doubts about the syllabus, exams, or learning methods
- Build a collaborative relationship with teachers
According to a 2023 NCERT study, over 58% of Indian parents feel they don’t have enough insight into their child’s school performance outside report cards, and 42% believe PTMs are underutilized.
Before the Meeting: Preparation is Key
To make the most of your time, consider these preparation steps:
1. Talk to Your Child
Before the meeting, have an open conversation with your child. Ask:
- How do you feel about your studies?
- Are there any subjects you find difficult?
- Do you feel comfortable asking doubts in class?
- Is there anything you want me to ask your teacher?
Children might initially hesitate, especially teenagers, but gentle encouragement can reveal valuable insights.
2. Review Report Cards and Homework
Look through recent report cards, assignments, and exam papers. Identify areas of concern like low marks, comments from teachers, or incomplete homework.
These give you a foundation to ask targeted questions.
A survey by the India School Leadership Institute (ISLI) in 2022 revealed that nearly 64% of parents rarely review their child’s homework or progress journals before PTMs, which reduces the effectiveness of the meeting.
3. List Down Questions
Keep a list of specific questions you want to ask. This ensures you don’t forget anything important during the short PTM time.
Questions to Ask at the Parent-Teacher Meeting
Here’s a list of useful and practical questions to ask, categorized for easy reference:
1. Academic Progress
- How is my child performing compared to the class average?
- Are there any subjects where they are lagging behind?
- Do they participate actively during lessons?
- How is their grasp of core concepts like Maths, Science, and Languages?
2. Homework and Study Habits
- Is my child submitting homework regularly?
- Does the quality of work reflect their potential?
- How much time should they ideally spend on homework daily?
- Can you suggest any areas where they need additional practice?
3. Classroom Behavior
- How does my child behave in class?
- Do they follow instructions and classroom rules?
- Are they respectful toward peers and teachers?
- Are there any disciplinary issues we should know about?
4. Social Development
- Does my child interact well with classmates?
- Do they have friends or seem isolated?
- How do they handle group activities and team projects?
- Have you noticed any signs of bullying or stress?
5. Emotional Well-being
- Have you observed any changes in their mood or behavior?
- Do they appear anxious, withdrawn, or overly aggressive?
- Are they showing interest in extracurricular activities?
- How can we support their emotional health at home?
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has reported that 1 in 5 Indian students face emotional or mental health issues, yet only 10% of parents proactively discuss this during PTMs.
6. Exam Readiness
- How is my child preparing for upcoming tests or board exams?
- What are the common mistakes they make in tests?
- Do they struggle with time management or stress during exams?
- Can you recommend any revision techniques or study plans?
7. Teacher’s Recommendations
- What are the areas where we as parents can support learning?
- Are there any books, apps, or activities you recommend for practice?
- Are there upcoming school events we should be involved in?
- Do you have any concerns that we may have overlooked?
Making the Conversation Two-Way
While asking questions is important, also be ready to share:
- Any changes at home that may affect your child (illness, family issues, etc.)
- How your child behaves or studies at home
- Challenges you face in supporting your child’s studies (e.g., time constraints, lack of understanding of a subject)
Common Mistakes to Avoid During PTMs
- Taking a Defensive Attitude: If a teacher shares critical feedback, listen calmly. Reacting defensively can close the door to honest communication.
- Comparing Your Child With Others: Comparisons can damage your child’s confidence and strain teacher rapport.
- Focusing Only on Marks: Academic scores matter, but so do creativity, kindness, leadership, and teamwork. Pay attention to holistic development.
- Overcrowding the Meeting: In India, sometimes both parents, grandparents, and even uncles attend PTMs. Stick to one or two parents to avoid overwhelming the teacher and allow for personal interaction.
After the PTM: What Next?
Your work doesn’t end with the meeting. The real impact comes from what you do afterward.
1. Discuss the Meeting With Your Child
Share the feedback positively. Highlight strengths first and then discuss areas to improve. Ask them how they feel about what the teacher said.
2. Create an Action Plan
- Set realistic goals (e.g., improve Science marks from 60% to 75%)
- Establish a routine for homework and revision
- Limit distractions like mobile phones and excessive screen time
- Encourage breaks and fun activities for mental health
3. Follow-Up
- Keep track of your child’s progress after implementing changes
- Email or call the teacher if you need clarification
- Attend the next PTM and refer back to what was discussed previously
Making the Most of PTMs in Online Schooling
Since the pandemic, many schools have shifted to hybrid or online PTMs. While this can be convenient, they also come with challenges like poor internet, limited time slots, and less face-to-face connection.
Tips for online PTMs:
- Ensure a quiet space with good internet
- Keep your video on for better engagement
- Be punctual and respectful of time
- Follow up via email if discussions were cut short
PTMs and Indian Parents: A Cultural Reflection
In India, many parents carry the weight of high expectations. For some, PTMs are stressful because they fear hearing criticism.
But it’s important to shift our mindset- PTMs are not a judgment, they’re a partnership.
Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist, doctor or sportsperson, every child needs encouragement, support, and guidance.
PTMs are one step toward ensuring that we, as parents, are tuned into their journey.
Final Thoughts
Parent-teacher meetings are more than just a routine formality. They are a window into your child’s world – their struggles, growth, friendships, and hidden talents.
By preparing ahead and asking the right questions, Indian parents can use PTMs as a powerful tool to support their children’s academic and personal growth.
So, the next time you attend a PTM, don’t just go to collect the report card. Go with curiosity, empathy, and a plan. Your child’s future is a team effort – and this is your chance to play an active role.
FAQ’s
- How often do Indian schools conduct PTMs?
Most schools conduct PTMs once every term or quarter. Some also offer monthly check-ins or special sessions before exams. - What if I can’t attend the PTM?
Try to reschedule or request a phone/video meeting. Consistent communication is key, even if it’s not in person. - Can I ask to meet a specific subject teacher separately?
Yes, especially in higher classes where children have multiple subject teachers. Schools are usually open to such requests. - How long do PTMs typically last?
Usually 5-10 minutes per parent, especially in crowded schools. Prepare your key questions in advance to use the time wisely.
