How To Be An A+ Parent
One way parents can increase their child's chance of succeeding in school is to forget a good relationship with his/her teacher. Parents magazine published an article, Be an A+ Parent by Nancy Seid, which gives several practical tips toward that end.
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Thanks to Ben Stevens at South Carolina Family Law Blog.
This article offers suggestions to assist parents in four main areas: initial communication; successful parent-teacher conferences; conflict resolution; and continuing communication.
Get Off to a Good Start
Write a brief note at the beginning of the year to tell the teacher a bit about your child's strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Ask the teacher to share concerns with you and provide the teacher with both parents' contact information (home and work telephone numbers and e-mail addresses).
Learn the teacher's expectations for parents and understand the classroom rules and routines.
Find out how and when the teacher prefers to be contacted and keep in touch.
Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Use conferences to establish a friendly relationship with the teacher.
Make a list of items to discuss with the teacher, and be sure to discuss your concerns and positive things.
If the teacher offers negative feedback, try to find out the specific issues so that the two of you can work together to find a solution.
Be sure to follow up with the teacher after the conference to make sure that concerns are being properly addressed.
Resolve Conflicts Respectfully
If you and the teacher disagree at any point, ask the principal or a school counselor to mediate the conflict and suggest possible resolutions.
Try to maintain a positive attitude when disagreements arise, as the principal will be more likely to defend the teacher rather than listen to you if you don't.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Be sure to let the teacher know of any difficult situations that may arise at home during the year, such as the death of a pet or an impending divorce.
Give the teacher feedback (positive and negative) about assignments and your child's progress in general.
By establishing a good relationship with your child's teacher, you will help your child feel more comfortable and confident in the classroom, and you will let him know that his parents and his teacher are working together to help him succeed in his academic endeavors. Every child deserves to have this kind of support.
