10/18/2026
Sometimes the parent sitting across the IEP table isnât âdifficult.â
Theyâre exhausted.
That meeting may be one small piece of a week filled with evaluations, appointments, insurance calls, school emails, paperwork, and the constant responsibility of making sure their child gets what they need.
And thatâs why small things can matter so much.
Be transparent when thereâs a constraint.
Talk about the childâs strengthsânot only their challenges.
And treat parents as members of the team, not an audience receiving decisions that have already been made.
Parents and educators may experience different sides of the system, but theyâre showing up for the same child.
A little clarity, empathy, and collaboration can completely change the tone of the room.
Save this and share it with someone on either side of the IEP table.