Perhaps the most important tip for communicating with parents/guardians is for you to use “I” statements
instead of “you” statements. “I” statements, which are detailed in the aMAZE Journey for Girl Scout Cadettes, tell
someone what you need from her or him, while “you” statements may make the person feel defensive.
Here are some examples of “you” statements:
“Your daughter just isn’t responsible.”
“You’re not doing your share.”
Now look at “I” statements:
“I’d like to help your daughter learn to take more responsibility.”
“I’d really appreciate your help with registration.”
If you need help with specific scenarios involving parents/guardians, try the following:
Is uninvolved and asks how she can help but seems to
have no idea of how to follow through or take
leadership of even the smallest activity,
“I do need your help. Here are some written
guidelines on how to prepare for our camping trip.”
Constantly talks about all the ways you could make
the group better,
“I need your leadership. Project ideas you would like
to develop and lead can fit in well with our plan.
Please put your ideas in writing, and perhaps I can
help you carry them out.”
Tells you things like, “Denise’s mother is on welfare,
and Denise really doesn’t belong in this group,”
“I need your sensitivity. Girl Scouting is for all girls,
and by teaching your daughter to be sensitive to
others’ feelings you help teach the whole group
sensitivity.”
Shifts parental responsibilities to you and is so busy
with her own life that she allows no time to help,
“I love volunteering for Girl Scouts and want to make
a difference. If you could take a few moments from
your busy schedule to let me know what you value
about what we’re doing, I’d appreciate it. It would
keep me going for another year.”
A parent/guardian meeting, or a meeting of your friends-and-family network (as encouraged in many of the
leadership Journeys), is a chance for you to get to know the families of the girls in your group. Before the
meeting, be sure you and/or your co-volunteers have done the following:
For younger girls, arranged for a parent, another volunteer, or a group of older girls to do activities with
the girls in your group while you talk with their parents/guardians (if girls will attend the meeting, too)
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