In this second installment of my series, Education: It Takes Three, I am giving credit where credit’s due. My successful students have parents with a lot in common. Here are eight of those similarities:
1. They allow their child to struggle and resist rescuing them from age-appropriate consequences. They hold their child accountable for his/her actions without making excuses or blaming. In short, they are adults who realize that the teacher isn't out to "get" their child.
2.They say "no". They say “no” to things that would make the family’s schedule too hectic. They say "no" to sports or activities that interfere with their child doing well in school. They say "no" to excessive use of technology by limiting and monitoring their child’s use of all electronics.
3. They read and enjoy books together with their kiddo.
4. They help their child with homework and make sure it is done correctly, but never give in to the temptation to do the assignments for him/her.
5. They make it clear to their child that education is important by getting them to school every day on time.
6. They never miss coming to Back to School Night, Parent/Teacher Conference, and Open House. Ever.
7. They establish and follow through on clear consequences when grades or behavior do not live up to expectations and the child’s abilities.
8. They ask, "How can I help my child?", instead of looking to the school/teacher to "fix" things.
My classroom this year has been full of kiddos who are lucky enough to have parents that inspired this list. It has been such a joy teaching these kids and am so sad that two-thirds of the school year is already behind us.
If this list doesn’t describe you as a parent yet, there’s hope! Change can happen and I’ve just given you a place to start!
Click here for my first post in this series: Education: It Takes Three.
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Another great post! I also have a majority of these type of parents. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHilary
Second Grade is Out of This World!
Hi Hilary! Thanks! Being on the same page with parents and having their support can make the difference between a good school year and a stellar school year for both the students and the teacher!
DeleteJustin, I couldn't have said it better if I tried. When I taught I hit up against the parents many times who thought that their child was always right. In my first ever teaching job (it was in a well to do neighborhood), I hit up against this one more often than not. So, I can truly relate and agree with you that this is probably so very important. That the parents understand that you are there to help there child and not out to get them. Thanks for sharing this and seriously sounds like you are a wonderful teacher. I am tweeting this article, because you really said a mouthful here!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment, Janine! Parents do a HORRIBLE disservice to their kids when their attitude is that their kids are always right. No one is always right. I remind parents that they are their child's first and most important teacher!
ReplyDeleteJustin,
ReplyDeleteGreat list Justin! The former social worker in me wants to say the list is a "no brainer" but....I know how many people I have worked with that had no clue that they were supposed to be involved in their children's educational life (some thought it was optional to be involved in the day to day life). I understand the importance of education and our children. The only way it works is by partnering up with your school and child to make sure that everyone plays a role (parents too).
Aaron Brinker aka DadBlunders
Thanks, Aaron! I wish this list was a "no brainer"! Sadly, you're right- it isn't! Thanks for reading!
DeleteGreat list! My child is nowhere near school age, but I'll definitely keep this in mind when communicating with daycare. I have a friend who is a teacher and I hear her saying these things all the time.
ReplyDeleteHi there, Melissa!
DeleteThank you! Your kiddo will be ready for school before you know it! It happens so fast! Enjoy every moment! :)
Your education posts are so dead on. Thanks so much for sharing your insights. I find your articles so refreshing and honest.
ReplyDeletePamela
First Class Teacher
Hi Pamela! Thank you! Sometimes, honesty isn't a good thing! LOL! :)
Delete