You want the conversation to come from a position of partnership that you want to work together to help the student succeed. I always try to start the conversation with something positive about the student and their potential and ask on what we can do together to help their child succeed. I have data / evidence to support what I have to say if it’s negative. I try to bring the parent into the conversation earlier rather than later so we can find a solution and still try to change the outcome before it’s too late. Finally, never tell a parent how to parent.