As a parent, you know your child best. You are the safe place your child can come to when they are feeling uncomfortable with a situation at school and do not know how to resolve it. Many parents find themselves helpless to the goings on at school and often count on the teachers to see any issues and work to resolve them.
In a general educational setting, educators are focused on the day’s curriculum and presentation of material to a room full of students. As an example, your child might not understand the lesson that is being taught and may struggle with voicing the lack of understanding for fear of embarrassment. You may find this out during after-school homework where your child confesses “not getting it” or not knowing how to complete the homework about something learned in class that day. This is your opportunity to talk with your child and work with him/her to find the root of the problem.
Becoming an advocate for your child at school is essential to their learning success. There are several ways you can participate:
- Listen and be understanding to your child
- Analyze the issue to determine the right course of action
- Acquaint yourself with the staff at your child’s school so that you know the right person to contact in the event of a need
- Be aware of other community professions and student resources that will help with identifying or supporting a problem and resolution (doctors, counselors, tutors, etc.)
- Be prepared to work with the school and other community professionals until you and your child feel satisfied with the outcome
- Take action
- Support your child and encourage their independence in problem-solving
Your relationship with your child, as they mature, often includes acute awareness, helping them identify weaknesses or struggles and being their voice in working toward a resolution. Maintaining a presence at school will provide you with the added benefit of being familiar with that environment, making for an already established open line of communication.