Teachers are like politicians – we want to say something but we must think twice. After all, we have to get along with parents for the sake of the children. To be honest, moms and dads will be the first to say they aren’t the easiest people to deal with when their child’s future is on the line. And, it’s perfectly acceptable because both parties only want the best for the kids.
Of course, holding your tongue is a rope walk at times as bottling up emotions can be unhealthy. The last thing an educator wants is to cut loose Kevin Bacon style and insult the people with the children’s best interests at heart.
So, what can you do find the perfect balance? Well, the good news is you don’t have to be involved in a political doody-storm as long as you have a vivid imagination. Here are eight things you wish you could tell parents as a teacher.Just knowing fellow peers feel this way will help to blow off steam, as will the fact that parents also understand.
#1: You’re Not Friends
It’s becoming increasingly less rare to hear things along the lines of ‘my child is my best friend.’ In later years, the bond between two grown-ups that love each other may be stronger than anything on the planet. At the moment, young kids shouldn’t have to bear the cross of being chummy with their mommy or daddy. The reason is that parents can’t see the line from time to time and their kids end up becoming involved in situations which are challenging. For example, the kids may absorb their parents’ opinions which then impacts their relationships at school. No one judges a mom and dad for this because wanting to be friends shows that they love them more than anything in world. However, it can cause an issue or two in class.
#2: Let Them Go
“Frozen” is an animated classic, not only because it’s well-written and catchy, but because there are life lessons to learn. One obvious example is the song “Let It Go.” For teachers, this is a hot subject at the moment as children are becoming more and more independent. However, school shootings make it harder for parents to provide them with the freedom they need for obvious reasons. It’s a tricky dichotomy, not least because kids are the most precious things in the world. Teachers know better than anyone, though, how a lack of independence impacts their life academically and socially. Kids can simply rebel when they feel too much pressure and it isn’t healthy. Although they aren’t our children, we do have some simple advice which may come in handy. For instance, parents may be interested to hear that putting them in charge of their outfit is freeing for a child.
#3: Data Isn’t God
Google has helped the cause a lot for teachers and parents alike. Nowadays, it’s far easier to understand success and failure and how to react thanks to 21st century Big Data. All they have to do is compare test results against other children in their class and they can see the relative performance. There’s no doubt that there is a lot of positive things about using data, particularly as it shows teachers where certain students need to improve. However, parents should be aware that a ranking system isn’t everything with regards to success. Giving adults time to settle down is essential and kids are as impressionable. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on happiness and enjoyment because students raise their standard when they are content at school and home. I think it’s safe to say teachers and parents can attest to this, which is why it would be nice to say out loud in the right context.
#4: I Do Need Help, But…
Teachers will be the first people to admit they need assistance. As populations increase, the number of bodies in a single classroom grows and kids aren’t allowed the same level of one-on-one time. Personal time with a teacher is essential for growth, which is why we want extra people to burden the pressure. But, help doesn’t always manifest itself in parent form if they aren’t qualified. We would love nothing than a certified assistant regardless, but qualifications come first. Also, it’s can be hard for parent-teachers to be objective when a loved one is involved. Moms and dads shouldn’t take this as a slight as it’s not as if we want them out of the school; far from it. Lots of MSN education jobs exist and need filling for the sake of pupil’s mental and physical well-being. Let’s face it – a school nurse is the lifeblood of any academic institution and they aren’t the only ones. These jobs can appease both groups as it involves everyone without the awkward ‘stepping on toes’ syndrome.
#5: Sports Stars Aren’t Role Models
Neither are actors or musicians for that matter. Unfortunately, society invests into the notion that rich and famous people should lead by example and it’s wrong. In the end, it tends to go wrong for the role models and the followers. People make mistakes and that is an occupational hazard of being a human being, but the atmosphere does not allow for errors. Once Lebron James or Nicki Minaj says something uncomfortable, there is a weird dynamic for teachers and parents to address. Are they bad people? What should the kids think? The answer, of course, is nothing because they have nothing to learn from their life as they are miles apart. From money to lifestyle, there are barely any similarities, which means children shouldn’t be conflicted. As old-fashioned as it sounds, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and brothers and sisters should be the driving force in a child’s life. In many ways, parents and teachers agree on this because we have experience and understand the role model dynamic. One thing this isn’t is a stranger telling a person how to take care of their child.
#6: Physical Education Isn’t A Joke
‘How they are doing in math class? What about science and English?’ As the three core subjects of the curriculum, parents focus on these areas more than any others. To a point, they are right to add extra weighting to some classes as they are essential outside of the school grounds. Still, it doesn’t mean a subject is insignificant even though it isn’t as crucial as the others. P.E has to be the ultimate example because kids wear short-shorts and hate the experience. In relation to childhood obesity, however, physical education has to be the most imperative subject on the syllabus. Obesity in kids is the biggest health concern in the United States for young people, overtaking drug abuse and smoking. Just to put it into perspective, the number of overweight kids has tripled since 1971 up until the current day. Obesity in adolescent kids, aged between 12-19, has risen by 12% since the 1970s to the present day. In the main, moms and dads are supportive of P.E as they are very health conscious, so an odd note is excusable.
#7: Video Games Are Dangerous
The opinion that Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty turn kids into felons is farfetched. Mental health is a complicated matter and there’s more to it than a violent video game. However, kids are impressionable from an early age and they can take things on board which are blatantly wrong. Yes, these lessons can be heard in music and seen in films, but PlayStations and Xboxes are the main culprits as the number of children gamers increases. Teachers aren’t and never will campaign to ban games because kids need to blow off steam. Still, spending too much time on a console can lead to weird behavior. Lots of teachers are experiencing school work which relates to war, for example. Parents and teachers can work together to show kids that until they are old enough to understand, they shouldn’t play “R” rated games.
#8: Homework Helps
Is there a more controversial topic for teachers than after-school study? The answer is no! Moms and dads want the best for their kids and are happy for teachers to set homework. In most cases, the parents don’t get involved and leave the school to dictate the curriculum. However, sometimes, there are complaints about the lack of after-school study, as well as the amount and the level. What’s important for teachers to explain is that there are only so many hours in a typical day and we have to be able to ask students to complete school work in their own time. The majority of guardians agree with this logic as they want to challenge their kids academically. The times when there is a breakdown in communication, both parties should remember this and talk openly. That way, it’s straightforward to see the arguments and come to a compromise.
Parents and teachers: what do you think of this list? Please get in touch and voice your opinions.
