Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions to Ask

22 February 2026

Parent-teacher conferences might feel a little nerve-wracking—kind of like a report card day for us parents. There's that mix of curiosity, concern, and hopefulness all bundled together. You want to know how your child is doing, but also, you don’t want to miss any red flags or golden opportunities.

Whether it’s your first conference, or your tenth, walking into that classroom or Zoom call prepared with the right questions can make all the difference. It’s not just about academics; it’s about your child’s well-being, friendships, learning habits, and how they feel every day at school.

Let’s talk about how you can rock that next parent-teacher conference and the questions you should absolutely have in your back pocket.

Why Parent-Teacher Conferences Matter More Than You Think

Think of a parent-teacher conference as a check-in—not just on grades, but on your child’s overall growth. Teachers see your kid in a whole different world—among peers, during challenges, and in their element. This is your chance to get insights you just can't find in a report card or a homework assignment.

Plus, it shows your child you’re part of their team. When you show up (literally or virtually), it sends a message that their education matters to you. That’s powerful.

Before the Conference: How to Get Ready

Preparation is key. You don’t want to walk in and then realize afterward that you forgot to ask something important. Here’s what you can do to prep like a pro:

1. Talk to Your Child First

Sit down and ask your kid how they feel about school.

- What do you like most about school?
- What subject feels hardest?
- How’s lunch and recess?
- Is anything bothering you?

Their answers can steer your questions for the teacher. If your child mentions a specific issue, you’ll want to bring it up.

2. Review Assignments and Grades

Take a peek at their recent work. That includes homework, tests, art projects—anything you’ve got access to. Some schools use online portals, and those are goldmines for checking performance trends.

Are grades slipping in a certain subject? Has handwriting improved? Does the homework seem too easy or too hard? Make note.

3. Write Down Your Questions

Seriously. Write. Them. Down.

Chances are, you’ll only get 10 to 20 minutes with the teacher. That’s not the time to be searching your memory. Bring a notepad or use your phone, whatever works for you.

What to Ask During the Conference

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a breakdown of the top questions to ask at a parent-teacher conference—grouped by topics that matter most.

Academic Performance

You want to know how your child is doing in school, but not just by letter grades. Here are some questions to dig deeper:

- How is my child doing in each subject—specifically?
- Are they performing at grade level?
- What are their strengths and weaknesses academically?
- Are they participating in class discussions and activities?
- What kind of learner is my child (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.)?

These questions help you understand how your child learns and whether they’re keeping up with the class.

Social Development

Grades matter, sure—but so does how your child fits in with their classmates. Social skills are a huge part of growing up.

- How does my child interact with others?
- Do they work well in groups?
- Who do they tend to hang out with?
- Have there been any behavior concerns or conflicts?
- Are they respectful to teachers and classmates?

You want to know if your child is making friends and learning how to work in a team. It all counts.

Emotional Well-being

This is big. A child who’s emotionally struggling won’t thrive academically, no matter how smart they are.

- Do they seem happy at school?
- Have you noticed any signs of stress, anxiety, or frustration?
- How do they handle challenges or setbacks?
- Are there strategies in place to support emotional needs?

If a teacher brings up emotional difficulties, ask how the school can support your child—maybe through a counselor, peer group, or resources at home.

Work Habits and Attitude

Let’s be honest: effort matters. You want to know whether they’re giving it their best shot.

- Do they complete assignments on time?
- Is their work neat and organized?
- Do they show perseverance when things get tough?
- Are they independent or do they need frequent help?

This helps you understand if your child is building the skills they’ll need long-term.

Communication Between Home and School

If anything is going on at home that could affect learning—like a move, divorce, or even a new pet—it’s OK to share. And you want that flow of info to go both ways.

- What’s the best way to reach you if I have a concern?
- How often should I expect updates about progress or problems?
- Are there tools or websites we should be using at home?

Establishing open communication makes everything smoother—for you, the teacher, and your child.

For Younger Kids (Pre-K to Grade 2)

With the little ones, the focus is a little different. You’re really looking at foundational skills and emotional development.

Ask about:

- How is my child adjusting to school routines?
- Are they developing fine motor skills (writing, cutting, etc.)?
- Do they follow instructions and classroom rules?
- Are they showing curiosity and enthusiasm for learning?

Kindergarten isn’t about mastering a million facts—it’s about learning how to be in school. That’s where your questions should focus.

For Older Students (Grades 3 and Up)

Once your child is older, you can start talking more about independence, critical thinking, and preparation for the next grade level.

Ask:

- Is my child showing leadership or initiative?
- Do they take responsibility for their learning?
- Are they developing time management and organization skills?
- How can we support them at home without doing the work for them?

And hey, if your kid is starting middle school or high school, you might want to ask about electives, extracurriculars, and prep for future schooling.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Just Listen—Take Notes

Seriously, jot down what the teacher says. It’s easy to forget stuff after the conference, especially if emotions get involved. Write down key points and any agreed-upon action steps. If the teacher said they’d follow up in a few weeks, make note of it. Set reminders for yourself. You’re co-piloting your child’s journey—don’t let important details slip through the cracks.

After the Conference: What Now?

The conversation doesn’t stop once the conference ends.

Talk to Your Child

Let them know what you discussed. Highlight their strengths, and gently bring up any areas they can work on. Keep it positive—this isn’t a scolding session, but a moment to show support.

Follow Up on Action Items

If the teacher gave you resources or strategies to try, actually try them! Schedule that follow-up meeting. Check in on progress. You’re showing your child—and their teacher—that school is a priority in your house.

Stay Connected

You don’t have to wait until the next conference to check in. Send a quick email, comment on online assignments, or just keep lines open. It really does take a village.

Closing Thoughts

Parent-teacher conferences might not be something you look forward to like a weekend getaway, but they’re one of the best ways to stay involved in your child’s education.

When you show up prepared and ask the right questions, those 15 minutes can give you so much clarity. You’ll walk away knowing what’s going well, what needs attention, and how you and the teacher can work together to help your child grow.

Just remember: you and the teacher are on the same team. You're both rooting for the same little human. So take a deep breath, ask your questions, take your notes, and keep showing up. That’s what great parenting looks like.