Why Building a Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher Is Critical

Shauna F. King

Topic of the Month: Parent/Teacher Relationships

Do you find yourself hesitant to build a relationship with your child’s teachers? Do you worry that they’re far too busy to communicate with you? Do you suspect that they might not appreciate you looking over their shoulder judging their teaching style? Do you assume that they avoid parents in general, so they don’t need to address issues on favoritism or biases?

These misconceptions may lead you to lose the opportunity of fostering a partnership with your child’s teachers. It would be a shame to miss out on building a positive relationship with the person who wants to see your child succeed just as much as you do.

Your level of involvement in your child’s school and connection to their children may determine your child’s success. Studies have shown that kids whose parents maintained strong ties with their school had better attendance, improved behavior and a positive attitude about school in general.

Introduce yourself and make a connection.

Teachers often won’t make contact with parents early in the school year unless it is urgent. Unfortunately, this may mean bad behavior or a cause for concern in your child’s progress. Either way, you don’t want this to be the first time you and child’s teacher meet.

Attend the school opening night or accompany your child on the first day of school. Introduce yourself with a warm smile and a handshake. Ask how you can keep in touch. Provide them with multiple ways to contact you that might include your mobile number, email address, and home number.

Respect your child’s teacher and work together.

Do not neglect the fact that the most influential people in any child’s life, next to their parents, are their teachers.

Your child’s teacher's teaching style may be different from your parenting style. But just as your child did not choose their parents, you probably also cannot choose their teachers. Respect that your child’s teacher was educated, trained and certified to teach your child. When it comes to your kid’s education, you are not the professional.

Work with your child’s teacher by not questioning their teaching style or demanding that they adjust to your kid’s learning capacity. If your child is having difficulty catching up, ask your child’s teacher for their advice on how you can help.

Maintain the connection by staying involved.

There are numerous school events throughout the school year that gives you the opportunity to support your child’s school and your community.

Volunteer to chaperone on a class trip. Donate supplies for a fundraising or prizes for the school fair. Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher how you can help. Teachers are always happy to see how involved their students’ parents can get in participating in school activities.

Show gratitude whenever you get the chance.

Teachers usually go through their days with minimal interaction with other adults. Without a doubt, teachers love the warm hugs that their students give them in gratitude for a fun day of learning. But another adult’s, particularly their students’ parents’ acknowledgment of their efforts gives teachers a heightened sense of accomplishment.

Thanking your child’s teacher for their contributions when you get a chance is a wonderful way to motivate them.