Parent Coaching Examples

Coaching Conversations Take Practice

The coaching questions we share—like the ones in our monthly newsletters—are conversation starters, not conversation enders. They’re designed to open the door to meaningful dialogue, but they often require follow-up questions, active listening, and sometimes, a shift in tone based on how your student responds.

There may be moments when your student gives short or vague answers, or when their silence signals something deeper. That’s okay. In those cases, you may need to gently ask more direct questions—especially if you have specific concerns about their well-being or academic progress.

Example: Talking to Your Student About Their Grades

Instead of jumping in with: "Are your grades good?" or "How did you mess this up?"

Try starting with: "Now that you are a few weeks into the semester, how are you feeling about your classes so far?"

If your student gives a general answer like “fine” or “okay,” follow up with:

• "Are there any classes that feel harder than you expected?"
• "What kind of feedback have you gotten from your professors?"
• "Do you know your current grades, or would it help to check together?"

If you're concerned and need to be more direct:

"I want to make sure you’re in a good place academically. Can you walk me through where your grades stand right now and what support you might need?"

The key is to stay curious, not confrontational. A coaching mindset invites reflection and helps your student feel safe being honest—even when things aren’t going perfectly.

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