How to Say What You Tried Already in Parent Teacher Message English
When you write to a teacher about a problem your child is having, one of the most important things you can do is explain what you have already done to solve it. Teachers need to know that you have not ignored the issue. They also need to avoid suggesting steps you have already taken. This guide gives you the exact phrases, tone choices, and sentence patterns to say what you tried already, so your message is clear, respectful, and useful.
Quick Answer: The Core Phrase Pattern
To say what you tried, use this simple structure: We have already tried + [action]. For example, “We have already tried talking to her about homework time.” You can also use “I have already tried” if you are writing alone. For a softer tone, add “unfortunately” or “so far.” For a more formal message, use “We have attempted” or “We have made an effort to.”
Why Teachers Need to Know What You Tried
When you explain your previous efforts, you save the teacher time. You also show that you are a proactive partner. A teacher who reads “My son is not doing his homework” without any context may assume you have not tried anything. But if you write “We have already tried setting a fixed homework time and checking his work each night, but he still avoids it,” the teacher understands the situation better and can offer a new strategy.
This is especially important in Parent Teacher Message Problem Explanations, where the goal is to describe a difficulty clearly. Without mentioning your attempts, the message feels incomplete.
Formal vs. Informal Tone for Explaining Attempts
The tone you choose depends on your relationship with the teacher and the seriousness of the problem. Here is a comparison table to help you decide.
| Situation | Formal Phrase | Informal Phrase | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| You tried a study method | We have attempted to implement a daily reading schedule. | We tried doing reading every day. | Formal for email; informal for quick chat or note. |
| You talked to your child | We have already spoken with her about the importance of completing assignments. | We already talked to her about it. | Formal for first contact; informal for follow-up. |
| You used a reward system | We have made an effort to use a reward chart for finished work. | We tried a reward chart, but it didn’t work. | Formal when problem is ongoing; informal for quick update. |
| You asked for help before | We have previously sought assistance from the school counselor. | We already asked the counselor for help. | Formal for serious or repeated issues. |
Natural Examples for Real Situations
Here are complete example messages that show how to explain what you tried. Each one is realistic and ready to adapt.
Example 1: Homework Avoidance
Subject: Question about homework completion
Dear Ms. Chen,
I am writing about Leo’s homework. We have already tried setting a timer for 30 minutes of work and then a short break. We also tried sitting with him while he works. So far, he still refuses to start. Could you suggest another approach? Thank you.
Best regards,
Mrs. Park
Example 2: Reading Difficulty
Subject: Reading practice at home
Hi Mr. Torres,
We have already tried reading together every evening for 15 minutes. We also tried letting her choose her own books. She still gets frustrated with longer words. Is there a specific strategy you recommend? Thanks.
Sincerely,
James
Example 3: Behavior Issue
Subject: Update on classroom behavior
Dear Mrs. Ito,
We have already tried talking to Mia about sharing toys and taking turns. We also tried a sticker chart for good behavior at home. Unfortunately, she still struggles during group activities. We would appreciate your advice.
Thank you,
Mr. and Mrs. Lee
Common Mistakes When Saying What You Tried
English learners often make these errors. Avoid them to keep your message clear and professional.
Mistake 1: Using “I tried” without “already” or “have”
Wrong: I tried to help him with math.
Right: I have already tried helping him with math.
Why: “I tried” is simple past and does not clearly connect to the present situation. “Have already tried” shows the effort is recent and relevant.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to mention the result
Wrong: We tried a new schedule.
Right: We tried a new schedule, but it did not improve his focus.
Why: Teachers need to know if your attempt worked or not. Always add a short result phrase.
Mistake 3: Using “try” instead of “tried”
Wrong: We try to talk to her every day.
Right: We have already tried talking to her every day.
Why: “Try” is present tense and sounds like you are still doing it. “Tried” shows the attempt is finished.
Mistake 4: Being too vague
Wrong: We tried everything.
Right: We tried a reward system, a fixed homework time, and talking to her teacher.
Why: “Everything” is not helpful. List specific actions so the teacher knows exactly what you did.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes “We have already tried” can feel repetitive. Here are alternative phrases and the best situations for each.
“We have attempted to”
Use this for formal emails or when the problem is serious. Example: “We have attempted to establish a consistent bedtime routine.” This sounds more deliberate and careful.
“We made an effort to”
Use this when you want to show you tried hard but the result was not perfect. Example: “We made an effort to reduce screen time before bed.” It implies good intention.
“We previously tried”
Use this when you want to emphasize that the attempt happened before now. Example: “We previously tried using flashcards, but she lost interest quickly.” This is good for listing multiple attempts.
“So far, we have”
Use this to show ongoing effort. Example: “So far, we have tried three different study methods.” This phrase works well when you are still trying new things.
“Unfortunately, we have already”
Use this when the attempt did not work and you feel a little disappointed. Example: “Unfortunately, we have already tried that approach.” This is polite and honest.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your own answers, then check the suggested responses below.
Question 1
Your child is not finishing classwork. You tried a checklist and a timer. Write one sentence to tell the teacher.
Suggested answer: We have already tried using a checklist and a timer, but he still does not finish his classwork.
Question 2
Your child is shy in class. You tried role-playing at home. Write a formal sentence.
Suggested answer: We have attempted to practice speaking through role-playing at home, but she remains hesitant in class.
Question 3
You tried talking to your child about being kind to others. It did not work. Write an informal sentence.
Suggested answer: We already talked to him about being kind, but it didn’t seem to help.
Question 4
You tried a new bedtime routine and a morning checklist. Write a sentence using “so far.”
Suggested answer: So far, we have tried a new bedtime routine and a morning checklist, but he is still tired in class.
FAQ: Common Questions About Saying What You Tried
1. Should I always say what I tried before asking for help?
Yes, in most cases. It shows you are not asking the teacher to solve a problem you have ignored. It also helps the teacher avoid repeating your ideas. If you have not tried anything yet, you can say “We have not tried anything specific yet, and we would appreciate your guidance.”
2. Can I use “we” when I am the only parent writing?
Yes, “we” is common in parent-teacher messages even when one parent writes. It can mean you and your child, or you and your spouse. If you prefer, “I” is also fine. Just be consistent.
3. What if I tried something a long time ago?
If the attempt was months ago and you are now trying something new, you can say “We previously tried” or “Earlier this year, we tried.” This gives the teacher a timeline. Avoid saying “We tried once” because it sounds like you gave up quickly.
4. How many attempts should I mention?
Mention two or three specific attempts. Too many can overwhelm the teacher. Too few can seem like you did not try hard. Choose the most relevant ones. If you have tried many things, you can say “We have tried several approaches, including [list two].”
Final Tip for Writing Your Message
When you write a Parent Teacher Message Problem Explanation, always start with what you tried. Then explain the result. Then ask for help. This structure is logical and respectful. For more examples of how to begin your message, visit our Parent Teacher Message Starters page. If you need help with polite wording, check Parent Teacher Message Polite Requests. For practice replying to teacher messages, see Parent Teacher Message Practice Replies. If you have further questions, please visit our FAQ page.
