Monday, August 27, 2012
Parents – Are YOU Ready for Back-to-School
If you’ve always entrusted your childcare to
relatives or close friends, it can be especially traumatic for the parent to
relinquish that care to a total stranger. The ability to control what your
child is exposed to is greatly diminished when you entrust your child to a
teacher.
How you deal with sending your child to
school will greatly influence your child’s success. So, what’s your attitude
toward the teacher and school policies? Are you struggling against an adversary
or are you viewing your relationship with the teacher more like a partnership? And
most importantly, what will obtain the best results for your child?
A partner refers to two people working toward
a common goal. The common goal you have with a teacher is to get the highest
quality of education for your child to help him or her succeed in life. What
are some ways you can partner with a teacher?
- Meet the teacher as soon as possible and express your interest in hearing how your child is doing. Share any special goals your child wishes to achieve this school year. Ask how the teacher prefers future communication, whether through phone calls, notes, emails, or visits.
- Read all school notices thoroughly and respond promptly.
- Get to know all school professionals including the principal, office personnel, librarian, counselor, nurse, and so on. By establishing open communication now, problems will be easier to resolve if they arise.
- Volunteer to chaperone on school trips.
- Volunteer to work at the school. Let the teacher know what skills and hobbies you have and that you’d be happy to use them in working with the students.
- Learn the schedule for homework and test days and be sure not to schedule appointments or activities that would take your child out of class.
- Speak positively to your child about your own experience in school, especially sharing humorous things that happened. Speak highly of the teacher so you child will follow that example.
- When problems arise, don’t rush to blame someone. Instead, concentrate on finding a solution to the problem.
- Attend parent conferences. If you’re involved all year with what your child is doing, you’ll have constructive comments and questions to discuss.
- Support the teacher by making sure your child finishes all homework.
- Don’t expect the teacher to give your child an unreasonable amount of time and attention.
By taking the “partner” approach as your
child goes back to school, you’re setting the stage for your child to have the
gift of a great school year. Why not give yourself a gift as well and contact
us at Simplify.
Find out how our team of professionals assists families in the Silicon Valley
to take care of the house and garden chores so you have more fun time with your
family.
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