As an athletic trainer (AT), especially in the state of Texas, chances are you will be working at the high school level. Everyday school districts are realizing how beneficial it is to have an athletic trainer on staff. Even if the school cannot afford to have an athletic trainer on staff, typically an AT will be contracted to work game days. Working with Eastland High School, I quickly had to make the adjustment of working with parents. While studying at Tarleton State University, it was seldom that a situation came up where a parent was contacted about every detail. At the collegiate level the athletes are of age to make decision for themselves. This is not to say that parents are left completely out of the loop. When working at a high school the vast majority of the student athletes are still considered a minor. Therefore, parents play a big role in the decision process.
The bottom line is parents want what is best for their child, although they may not know what that is necessarily. This is where the athletic trainer steps in to help. It is the athletic trainer's job to educate the athlete and his/her parents about the injury (no matter how minor), treatment options, risks, and possible outcomes.¹ Athletic trainers and parents can be strong allies for one another as well as a great advocate group for the athlete.
How can we as athletic trainers build a positive relationship with parents?
Open the communication line early! Communication is the most important aspect of any type of relationship. As Dennis Read states, “ I think most athletic trainers would agree that if you keep the lines of communication open and explain things to parents, you can avoid a lot of problems.”² Parents want to know what is going on with their child and as the AT you must be ready to answer whatever questions they might have. Although, this can become repetitive and time consuming, in the end the parent will feel more comfortable knowing their care is under your care.
- Make yourself known. Having an athletic trainer on site is more common nowadays but that does not always mean everyone understands what your role is. As the athletic trainer it is your responsibility to let the parents know what exactly you do. A great time to do this is at preseason parent meetings.¹ After the parents know what your role is, next you must make yourself available.
- Make yourself available Make time for an athlete’s parents as well. A good way to build a good relationship with parents is to make an effort to keep that communication line open. Talking with a parent does not always have to be in a formal setting. Make an effort to talk with parents when you see them on campus, at a game, or when you are just out and about.²
Gaining the trust of a parent will not happen overnight. This will always be an ongoing process that starts as early as summer workouts. Once the parents are working on the same side as the athletic trainer, the job can run a little smoother. As Mark Gilbert, Adjunct Professor at Tarleton State University, used to say in class all the time, “parents don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” At the end of the day, athletic trainers’ and parents’ goal should be to do what is best for the athlete.
References:
¹ L. J., ATC,LAT. (2015, September 09). Communication in the Secondary School Setting. Retrieved October 13, 2016, from http://www.nata.org/blog/jordanb/communication-secondary-school-setting
² Read, D. (2000, December). The Problem Parent. Retrieved October 13, 2016, from http://www.momentummedia.com/articles/tc/tc1009/parent.htm
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