Establishing Healthy Parent Teacher Relationships

An essential factor in determining how children perform in school is the relationship between parents and teachers. The most important adults in a child’s day to day lives are parents, family members and teachers. Children spend most of their time with these adults who make decisions for them, provide guidance & support and have a significant impact on their personality, and social & emotional well-being. In their initial years, children learn by looking at what parents do- their actions and words. Once they begin going to school, teachers take the responsibility of educating them, but they are not solely responsible for the well-rounded and healthy development of children. It is the regular interaction and engagement between teachers and parents that will help our children learn and grow in their personal lives and academically.

Why are positive parent-teacher relationships important? 

Research has shown that healthy communication between parents and teachers has led to an improvement in children's academic performance, emotional and social behaviour. If parents and teachers work as partners in educating and guiding children, the children would do well at school and at home. When there is a collaborative approach between teachers and parents, the impact on the child’s grades, habits and attitude is evident. Children become good at adapting themselves to tough situations, have fewer behavioral issues, and get along socially with other children or adults. When working together, parents and teachers develop a good bond and help in developing the essential skills required for their child’s growth and learning.

How to develop a healthy relationship with child’s teacher?

The three pillars that construct a healthy parent-teacher relationship are the 3 C’s communication, consistency and collaboration.

Communication

The first and most important pillar is communication between parents and teachers. Communication between you and your child’s teacher is key just as with any other relationship. Parents must communicate regularly and throughout the academic year with their child’s teachers. In this way, teachers also are aware that you, as a parent, wants to play an active part in your child’s education. Meet your child’s teacher and find ways you can communicate with them. For example, email important information or call, message the teacher if there is something you need to discuss. Keep communication constructive, open and timely. To stay updated about your child’s performance and what is happening in their school lives, it is important to keep two-way communication as frequent as possible. Discuss your child’s talents and areas of improvement with the teacher so that your child has the proper encouragement and guidance required to do well in life.

Consistency 

Consistency is the second part of a healthy parent-teacher relationship. This also includes the opportunities you provide for your child at home. Speak to your child’s teacher to find out ways where you can encourage and create a passion for learning in your child. Finding a routine or a timetable for your child is extremely crucial. As parents, you must encourage habits such as setting time for physical activity, reading and eating healthily. These activities collectively contribute to how your child performs in school. Parents and teachers must be on the same page when it comes to setting expectations for children. In this way, the child is also aware of the consistency shown and knows he/she has a strong support system at home and in school.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the third part of positive parent-teacher relationships. To collaborate effectively, communication and consistency should be frequent. Focus on positive ideas that help your child achieve the best of his/her abilities. 

Some forms of successful collaboration include problem-solving and planning. These two methods are essential when your child needs a helping hand in achieving a goal. Understand what plans the teacher has for your child and inform the teacher of your expectations as well. Respectfully find solutions if you have any concerns about goals that may not meet your child’s strengths. If parents and teachers develop communication methods, it will be easier to address any challenges that appear in your child’s growth.

This positive collaboration includes accepting the need to work together, finding solutions and checking back and forth on the progress of your child throughout the academic year.

The beginning of an academic year is the best time to reach out and establish a positive relationship with your child’s teacher. Reaching out early will have a significant impact on your child’s development and academic learning. Working together with your child’s teacher is the best way to ensure that your child gets the guidance he/she needs to be successful in all aspects of their life.

Suseela Santhosh

Guest Author The author is Director, Vishwa Vidyapeeth