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And the Survey Says…
Last month, I conducted a poll to find out how much time professionals dedicate to parent education during their sessions. But before we jump into the numbers, let’s take a moment to define what I mean by parent education. According to Mahoney et al. (1999), parent education is the process of equipping parents and other primary caregivers with specific knowledge and child-rearing skills to promote their child’s development and competence.
Here’s what the survey revealed:
60% of respondents reported devoting 15 minutes of their sessions to parent education.
20% of respondents said they allocate 10 minutes to this crucial task.
The remaining 20% shared that they don’t have enough time to devote to parent education.
Kudos to the 80% of professionals who actively share knowledge with parents during their sessions. Your efforts make a difference! But let’s talk about the 20% who are finding it challenging—because trust me, you’re not alone.
For me, connecting with parents to provide education about their child’s development was especially difficult when they came across as dismissive, passive, or defensive. I remember one family I worked with, coaching them on how to support their child with autism in using language instead of behaviors. During sessions, one parent would ridicule the other and snap at me when I provided coaching feedback. The tension in the room was thick, and no matter whether I approached it with optimism or a firm stance, there was constant pushback. When I tried to explain the ‘why’ behind the child’s behaviors, the parent would brush it off as the child ‘acting out’ or ‘being bad.’ Despite this resistance, I knew the family still needed education and support to truly help their child.
Balancing professional demands with family needs can feel like carrying a basket of glass on your head. One small shift, and everything could come crashing down. No one wants that. But at the same time, we don’t want to deny families the support they need to thrive, either. So, what’s making parent education so difficult?
The Challenges of Parent Education
Session Length is Too Short
Therapy sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. When you’re trying to provide direct intervention, take data, and manage behaviors, finding time for parent education can feel impossible.
Parent Availability
Let’s be real—parents are busy. Between work, errands, and other kids, they’re not always able to be present during sessions. Some may only pop in at the end or miss sessions altogether due to transportation or scheduling conflicts.
Information Complexity
Speech and language concepts can be tough to explain. As professionals, we sometimes speak in jargon without realizing it. Parents need information that’s clear, digestible, and actionable—not something that feels like a college lecture.
Parent Resistance
Not every parent is immediately receptive. Some feel overwhelmed, unsure of their role, or even defensive. They may have past experiences that make them hesitant to engage, or they may not see the value in their involvement just yet. I’ve seen parents shut down completely when they feel like they’re being judged or don’t know where to start. It’s not about unwillingness—it’s about fear, uncertainty, and sometimes past experiences that make them hesitant.
Cultural and Language Barriers
Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about meaning, context, and connection. Language differences or cultural perspectives on education and therapy can create unintentional roadblocks in making parent education effective.
Environment and Setting
Ever try having a deep conversation in the middle of a chaotic setting? Some therapy environments just aren’t designed for private, focused discussions. Whether it’s a busy clinic, a noisy home, or a shared therapy space, these settings can make meaningful conversations with parents difficult.
Accessible Materials
Professionals don’t always have the right tools to make parent education easy. Handouts get lost, verbal explanations aren’t retained, and digital resources may not always be user-friendly. Without the right materials, keeping parents engaged can feel like an uphill battle.
Small Changes That Make a Big Impact
Start each session with a 2-minute parent check-in.
Use videos or visuals to make concepts easier.
Provide one key takeaway per session instead of overwhelming parents with information.
If you’ve faced these struggles, what have you done to work around them? Reflect on your approach and think about what small shifts could make a difference.
Solutions for Success
Overcoming these challenges requires creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to meeting parents where they are. One innovative solution is HomeGoals, a virtual parent education program that allows parents and caregivers to access resources and support at their own convenience. By breaking down barriers to access, HomeGoals empowers families with the tools they need to support their child’s development—without adding extra strain to an already packed schedule.
Want to learn more? Visit ivegotthiskid.com and see how HomeGoals is making parent education easier, more accessible, and more effective.
So, let’s keep the conversation going—what challenges have you faced with parent education? And what solutions have worked for you? Drop a comment below!
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