Talking with your Child’s Teacher
Your children spend upwards of 7 hours each week day with their teacher or teachers. This is an important time of learning more than just lessons that are taught in books. Children learn rules of interaction, communication, compassion, friendship, responsibility, and the consequences when they don’t conform to the norm. The valuable lessons learned at school are irreplaceable but need a follow up discussion with the people they love and trust most in this world…YOU.
What does your child’s teacher have to do with all of this? Well, let’s just say a lot! Due to the amount of time he/she spends with your child daily, they learn an abundant amount of information through observation and discussions with your child. They have an unusual role because they play the nurturer, the decision maker, the mediator, the nurse, the organizer, and the teacher, just to name a few.(Just one reason why teachers are underpaid. But that is a whole other story) It is in your best interest to get to know this person who essentially passes on certain values to your child during the course of those 7 hour days.
Many parents send their children off to school each morning but have not idea what happens during the day. Most children will say “I don’t Know” or “Nothing” when asked what they did during the day. As parents, you know this isn’t true but you don’t pursue. Yes they have homework and maybe even had some problems during the day, but they aren’t about to tell you for fear you might want more details.
Just as they do at home, conflicts will arise. Your child’s teacher will take on the role needed to help solve the conflict simply because they must. A good teacher never passes up a teachable moment where children can be shown a proper problem solving skill. When you are on the same page as your child’s teacher, you can help your child understand a situation more in depth or explain what the lesson was that happened at school. Ultimately you are the “teacher” of life lessons but spending 7 hours a day with another adult delivers many situations that will be handled without your input.
In essence, my advice is to contact your child’s teacher as soon as you can. Her email should be in your address book. Become as involved as your schedule will allow and volunteer as much time as you can. The younger your child, the more they want to see you at school. I believe it helps them socially and they feel some sense of security knowing you are close by when they need you. As your child grows, volunteer time in other ways. Work the sporting events, after school dances, or volunteer to help with school projects. Not as much time needs to be spent in the classroom with them but they still need to see you care by your involvement in their lives. This time of their lives is irreplaceable and if you are able, take advantage of it.
Your child’s teacher has some valuable insight into your child’s mind. They have a wider point of reference for normal and abnormal behaviors because they have worked with so many children over the course of their career. Don’t overlook this ever so important reference in parenting. Make friends with your child’s teacher. It’s like having a window into the mind of your child. 
