Why Parent-School Communication Is Broken — And How to Fix It

How can parents build stronger relationships with their children’s schools—and feel genuinely heard in the process? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with Shani Dowell, former educator, entrepreneur, mother of two and founder of Possip, a parent engagement platform designed to help schools close the communication gap between home and school. Dowell shares her perspective as both a former teacher and parent on why effective parent-school communication can be so challenging, particularly in a post-pandemic education landscape where parents want greater involvement while teachers and school administrators are facing unprecedented demands. The conversation explores the important difference between parent engagement and truly listening to parents, why parents may hesitate to speak up for fear of being labelled “difficult,” and how schools can create more meaningful two-way communication with families. Dowell also offers practical advice for parents who feel unheard by their child’s teacher or school, including how to start a productive conversation, when to put concerns in writing, how to establish expectations with a teacher at the beginning of the school year, and how parents can advocate effectively without escalating conflict. The episode also examines common misconceptions between parents and educators, the value of positive feedback for teachers and school staff, and why parents and schools are ultimately working toward the same goal: helping children thrive. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: • whereparentstalk.com (https://whereparentstalk.com/)