MumOfThree, you're in good company, because I hear that a lot. Many organizations are adept at not sharing information, but rather "milking" people into "volunteering" information. They may tout what good "listeners" they are, and that they want the parent(s) to know that their "input" has been "heard."
Parents may want to politely redirect the focus of attention to the questions which they have presented:
- repeat,
- re-word,
- ask for clarification, details, examples, etc.
Gently side-step any diversionary tactics that may be in play, and encourage the flow of information TO themselves.
It is not always easy, but with practice it can become second nature.
Often having a pen & paper and taking even cursory notes can affirm the approach: one can look at their sparse notes and use that as the impetus to politely repeat, re-word, ask for clarification, details, examples, etc. Jotting a few key words also helps avoid staring at the school personnel when they are speaking, and giving your eyes an opportunity to look away from the speaker to your note-writing paper may help keep your thoughts private as it may not be so easy for school personnel to read your expressions when they cannot look into your eyes.
When school personnel have finished speaking, it is often wise to thank them and ask if there is anything else.
Do not be quick to counter. You want them to unpack everything. Try to ensure they have shared it all, and not held back, by politely asking if there is anything else.
