PARENTS trust teachers with their most prized possession, their children. They rely on teachers to help young, fertile minds reach their fullest potential. But what part do parents play in bringing this potential to fruition? Indeed, it takes a collaborative effort between teacher and parent to ensure that a child’s learning experience is valuable and that a child attains a holistic outcome.

Parents and teachers work towards the same goal. Both want to see children make academic accomplishments and become thoughtful, upright citizens who contribute positively to society — they have the child’s best interest at heart. Maintaining a relationship with teachers is essential for parents at all stages of their child’s development, not just kindergarten.

Parents can enhance their child’s achievements by connecting with staff members and showing support for the school. Instead of just seeing children off in the morning and asking them about their day in the afternoon, parents need to be more involved. What subjects are the children working on in school? How can parents support their child’s learning capacity at home? In which areas do teachers feel the child needs encouragement? What change in behaviour does the teacher see in a child, is it positive, or is there a need for concern?

Parents and teachers make the best team when they connect and have a rapport. School is where children spend a great deal of time, so parents should know what is going on there and how their child fits in or is affected. One mother said: ‘I have made friends with the teachers, cleaners and security guards at the school gate, so they know my children and me. If any of them get out of line, I will hear about it.’

Children indeed do things out of character at school and among peers. They show off, seek attention or try to be popular. During pre-adolescence and adolescence, children seek independence and rely more on their relationships with peers than their home bonds with parents and siblings.

Teenagers can be easily impressed and tempted during this experimental and curious stage of development. Over the years, they will learn more from peers, their social groups and experiences, than from their homes.

Children will likely see and hear things they will not share with their parents. They may try out fads and indulge in adverse conduct just to fit in with their friends and be part of the crowd. While decision-making, trying out challenges, and problem-solving are part of growing up, parents’ input, guidance and involvement in their children’s school lives are wholly necessary.

Even when children seem level-headed and adjusted, never take for granted that all is well at school. If parents do not ask pertinent questions and show an interest in their child’s school life, they may never know when concerns need attention.

A child might complain to his parents about something that happened at school, and the parent may promise to sort it out. Parents should not put off problems; they should tackle them straight away. If the parent never reaches the school gates, due to one thing or another, and the crisis subsides, the child may never confide in his parent about school again.

Some children do not like when their parents visit the school to complain. They feel singled out and believe the visit may affect how staff members treat them. This is not the case when parents and teachers have a good relationship. Parents and teachers are on the same side, working for the good of the pupil and the school environment. Genuine concerns highlighted and discussed between parents and staff should be amicable. The child should not feel fear or prejudice due to raising a matter.

Parents staying in touch with children’s activities is imperative; children need adults to keep them safe. Most parents allow children to spend hours unsupervised and trust the child’s judgement. But children are bound to make senseless choices from time to time, for which parents may take the blame.

Parents have a right to know what is in their child’s school bag and the authority to check the same randomly. It is not an invasion of privacy to go through school bags or cellular phones to find out what children do in their spare time or what they could bring home. Explaining to the child why you need to make these checks beforehand will garner the child’s cooperation, agreement and understanding.

Most parents know their children much better than teachers; they have nurtured their unique offspring from day one. Teachers can benefit from the information, insight and backing that parents can naturally provide if they work as allies toward children’s success.

A father said, ‘My son was adamant that I visit his school and speak to the science teacher about his work. He laid out my best shirt and asked his uncle to give me a shave and touch-up, so I looked neat. I was surprised at the sparse turnout of parents at the science meeting, but was glad I attended. Just to see how proud my son felt that I represented him at school warmed my heart’.

Parents have a significant role in their children’s school life; their support can change a child’s negative attitude towards school and improve grades. They have parental responsibility in every aspect of their child’s development, of which school plays a major role.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY