Support parents

Say and believe that your job is to support the family not oppose it. No matter what happens, you cannot replace the parents. Your job is to supplement their parenting not hinder them.

Many parents worry about your judging them, that you know too much about them and their family (and only from the child's perspective), that you will encourage their children to oppose them, or even come between them and their children.

• These attitudes can be irrational but very real. You have to work at countering these ideas.
  
• No matter what you may know or suspect, be kind and loving to parents and show no signs of knowing anything other than what can be seen publicly.
  
• Keep in mind that there are at least two sides to every story. If you have only heard one perspective you do not have the complete picture.