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Hello everyone, this is TobiraAI, a local educator learning about Education × Tradition × Generative AI. Thank you for reading as always — please take your time.

Today’s key idea:
Your success depends on your first impression. Let’s dive in.

Building Trust with Parents

In my previous post, I said “education is about building relationships.” The same applies to parents. Without trust, your year will be exhausting — even miserable. Many young teachers struggle with this, especially when parents are older and treat you like “the young one.” Some institutions even avoid assigning two young female teachers to the same branch because of the potential complications.

Don’t Worry — You Can Learn It

Trust-building can be learned. If you practice it consistently, you’ll earn parents’ trust within a year. Some even manage it on the first meeting.
Currently, I’m still working full-time and writing this note as a nonprofit effort, but I plan to go independent soon. Please follow and support for future updates.
This series “To Young Teachers” has three parts: Sales, Instructor, and Teacher. The “Sales” section will be the longest because — simply put — without trust, no one listens to you.

Four Ways to Build Trust with Parents

1. Direct communication (face-to-face, phone, or writing)
2. Information parents hear from their children
3. Word-of-mouth among parents
4. Becoming a well-known, trusted teacher

Today, let’s focus on the first — direct communication. This step alone could fill a book.

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STEP 1: Environment

Desk arrangement:
I arrange desks 2×3, and always make sure everything is spotless. No eraser crumbs, no paper scraps.

Seating:
The seat farthest from the door is the “upper seat.” I prefer facing the clock so I don’t check my watch or phone. If I happen to sit in the upper seat, I explain: “I’d like to keep an eye on the time so as not to inconvenience you.”
If parents sit in the center, I take the seat slightly to the side — directly opposite feels too stiff.

Hospitality:
Offer tea — hot or cold depending on the season. If small children come along, prepare coloring books or LEGO to keep them occupied. Also, a bag rest (like Starbucks) adds a professional touch.
For filling forms, use smooth pens like Jetstream 4+1 — trust me, details like that matter.

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STEP 2: Appearance

First impressions decide everything.
For men: button your jacket before entering, knock three times (two knocks mean “is it occupied?”), and unbutton once seated.
Check your suit — no stains, no missing buttons, no wrinkled shirts. Keep shoes polished and avoid white socks. Hair off the forehead looks better.

If you’re unsure, ask a trusted female colleague to check your outfit. I recommend the Order Suit SADA Official YouTube Channel for excellent styling advice.
For first or last meetings, I wear cufflinks. My father taught me the Windsor knot — it’s harder, but looks better than a simple four-in-hand.

Also, mind your breath and body odor. I brush my teeth four times a day, especially before parent meetings. In summer, I bring four shirts and change regularly; even students notice.

Personally, I believe that aside from PE teachers, all educators should wear suits — professionalism matters.

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I’ve already written over 2,000 words, and we haven’t even started speaking to parents yet!
Let’s continue next time.
The quiz answer was, of course, “First impression.” Simple, yet often overlooked.

Thank you for reading. I truly appreciate your support — likes, comments, and follows mean the world to me.

Warm Regards,
TobiraAI