6 Things Parents Want Teachers To Know
It’s back-to-school time and, even though many parents are breathing a sigh of relief (we get it), there can still be anxiety right now–even for moms and dads. Kids are going to new classes, and attending new schools in some cases, and we’re all getting used to new teachers–trusting our kids with people that we have no experience with yet.
For a parent, liking a teacher and understanding how he or she operates is very important, as is communication. Here are some things we–as parents–want you–as teachers–to understand. And maybe, just maybe, it might make the school year operate a little more smoothly … for all of us.
What Parents What Teachers To Know
1. Parents want teachers to like their jobs, or at least pretend to like it in front of us.
Just like any public job, you can tell immediately when employees hate what they’re doing. There’s nothing worse than leaving your kid with a teacher who clearly hates what they are doing. Whether you believe it or not, it trickles down from you, to our kids and right into our family. We are leaving our most prized possessions (our kids!) with you, so please act like you enjoy it.
2. Parents see and hear everything you do … everything.
You think you’re whispering to a co-worker in the hall about how much the principal pissed you off, but we see and hear you. Please don’t bash your co-workers, the administration or your job in any public place … we will overhear. It makes us uncomfortable and it makes you look bad. Do us a favor and save it for the teacher’s lounge, ok?
3. Parents need a positive, supportive environment, too.
We have some important things going on at home that may affect how our child behaves at school. However, if you always seem harried or snappy when we drop the kids off, we won’t feel compelled to communicate with you … about anything.
ALSO ON PRIME PARENTS CLUB : 5 Things Your Child’s Teacher Wants You To Know
4. Parents aren’t mind readers.
No, parents don’t always get it. We don’t know if we’re doing something wrong unless you tell us. Be upfront because we can’t read your mind (thank goodness).
5. Don’t overwhelm parents with information.
Most parents have jobs, run businesses, volunteer at church and other organizations, and generally just have a tough time keeping our schedules straight. We love when you communicate with us, just don’t do it in 27 emails and 14 flyers each week. With that said…
6. Tell parents what you need.
Parents are preoccupied. By the time we drop the kids off at school, our mind is already three steps ahead and plotting our day. If you need something from us–donations, volunteer time, whatever–stop us and tell us. You’ll find most of us supportive.
What do you want your child’s teachers to know for the upcoming school year?
Image: Nutakit
Category: School/Homeschooling
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jacqueline Wilson is a prime parent, wife, published author and freelance writer. She writes here, on Prime Parents’ Club, and on her observational parenting humor blog, WritRams.com: Writer Ramblings on Parenting Imperfectly. Follow her on Twitter as @WritRams and on her Facebook page. She recently wrote an e-Book on the REAL truth about how blogs make money. She recently started Project Purse Club, a support and networking group dedicated to changing the way women treat each other in business and blogging.Subscribe
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