I have come to believe that the most important skill a school leader can have in conversation with a parent is listening. Written communication with families is essential; it creates records, accommodates busy schedules, and enables clear, measured responses. Email, for all its convenience, can stop a parent from sharing what they are really thinking. But perhaps most importantly, I work to make sure that every parent leaves the conversation knowing the door is open. As AI makes written communication easier, this gap will only widen.