Many kids spend more of their waking hours with their Teacher than with their parents. Sometimes, as busy working parents, we tend to trust that all is going well, especially if our kid is not complaining about things at school. Getting off to a positive and optimistic start to the school year will bring many reassuring benefits as the terms progress.


 

Engaging with Your Kid’s Teacher

 
Your child’s teacher has an enormous influence. Children look up to and respect teachers whom they like, and adopt them as personal role models. If a child doesn’t prefer a particular teacher then there is a way forward: spend a little time getting to know that teacher. Take steps before any potentially unsatisfactory relationship develops between your child and his or her teacher. A simple handshake and friendly introduction at the very start of the school year can be the spur that makes that teacher pay attention to your child’s talents and weaker areas as well as keeping an eye out for your child’s worries.

Even more important is using any framework that the school has in place – such as a school homework diary – for maintaining contact with that teacher. Similarly, sending a note explaining how you appreciate the teacher’s diligence and maybe politely asking about your offspring’s progress cannot hurt. When we form a good relationship with the teacher, we generally find the education process flows well and that the child is happier at school.

Maintaining Contact Through Good Times and Bad

 
When children find topics difficult or are misbehaving in school, timely email exchange or phone conversation between the concerned teacher and the parent can help stop the problem developing into a dislike towards that school subject.

Forming a good working relationship with a teacher helps the teacher keep a closer eye on your child. With large class sizes, a teacher will value support and positive feedback from a parent. Sadly, many parents don’t fully appreciate the work of teachers, sometimes due to problems they had themselves at school. Hence, the enthusiastic and interested parent will always stand out from the sea of not always friendly faces that often confront a teacher.

The Importance of Extra-Curricular Activities

 
Sending the message that you and your family believe in being involved in school life will also do wonders for relationships. Sporting and drama or musical events are a great way to show your commitment. Whether as a parent you help behind the scenes or as a referee or judge, even at the risk of embarrassing your child, the staff will acknowledge your willingness to keep up strong ties with the school. At these events, opportunities often arise for light-hearted and spontaneous conversations with your kid’s teacher.

Attend PTA meetings and within the constraints of your own schedule. Make an effort to volunteer for responsibilities. It may not be too complicated, then, to broach the topic of any concerns you may have about your own child’s teachers. If, however, you appear for the first time on the school premises with a complaint, you are unlikely to receive a receptive welcome.

Keep Things in Perspective

 
One issue which can blight the relationship between pupil and teacher is when exaggerated accounts are listened to by parents. Be aware when your own child is complaining to you about some classroom predicament that their account may be embellished. Is he or she possibly covering for some misdemeanor of their own? Remember the familiar adage that there are two sides to every story. Check out the truth of the matter with the teacher in as unbiased a way as you can. Engage in the process of seeking a path towards a resolution, bearing in mind that it might mean your child has to work a little harder or cooperate better in the classroom. As with so many things in life, the channels of communication are your best bet. Keep them open.

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