Caring for Kids

An Accredited Organization of Parents Anonymous ® Inc.

by Imelda Tatsch

Back to school…..

According to the thermometer it is still very much summertime and yet in a couple of weeks the school doors will fling open and school zone lights will be flashing to remind us to slow down. School will be back in session once again.

What will school be like for your child this year? Do you know that your involvement as a parent can make all the difference in the world? Many teachers I have spoken with say they are amazed at how few parents take the time to become involved in their child’s school experience. Many believe that it is the responsibility of the teacher to see that their child receives a good education. What they fail to realize is that what happens in the home goes with the child to school each day.

As a parent you are your child’s first and most important teacher. We think that because our children are in school 8 hours a day that teachers spend more time with our children than we do. However statistics show that by the time a child reaches his 18th birthday he will have only spent 9% of his childhood in the school setting.

Why are so few parents involved in their child’s educational experiences?

The reason may have to do with their perception of school. Some are intimidated; a parent who feels they cannot help their child, due to their own lack of education, may not feel comfortable talking with teachers. Others may have had negative school experiences as a child. Sometimes it is just the cycle repeating with parents who did not have parental involvement and do not see the need. Regardless of the reason, parents need to know that when they are interested and active in their child’s education the child will benefit.

There are many ways to stay involved, even for those with demanding work schedules. Open communication is best. Having regular communication with your child’s teacher keeps you up to date on his progress. If a difficulty should arise, you are able to address it quickly. Each teacher usually has a daily conference period. If work schedules do not allow a personal visit, maybe a phone call would work. You know your child; share that knowledge with his or her teacher. Let your child know that you and the teacher are working together to make sure he or she has the best experience possible. It’s best to inform the school when your child is facing a stressful situation at home or elsewhere so they are aware and understanding if there are behavior changes.

If you are upset or angry with the school or teacher, take a moment to cool down before confronting the situation, and never let your child hear you express negative feelings toward a teacher. Understand that the teacher is working with 20 – 25 children each day, and some things may get overlooked Your involvement will make the difference for your child.

Be a parent that encourages learning.
(Taken from Turning Points Curriculum)
• Let the child know he is loved and valued
• Place education as a high priority in the family
• Make sure the child’s school attendance is consistent and on time every day
• Make sure the child is healthy (enough sleep, healthy diet and exercise)
• Have regular medical check-ups (including dental and vision)
• Teach the value of responsibility
• Nurture the child’s self esteem
• Maintain consistent routines and structure in the home
• Teach organization skills and how to care for things
• Teach respect for rules and rights of others
• Encourage self discipline
• MOST IMPORTANT …children learn best by example, your attitude and actions toward education and learning will teach far more than telling them. Let your child see you reading often and taking an interest in learning new things.

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Imelda Tatsch is the Program Director at the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (NETCAC) located in Winnsboro, and her columns appear in their bi-monthly newsletter. In "Caring for Kids" she offers support, insight, and a touch of humor for parents and grandparents. She is a trained facilitator for parenting classes.

She will be happy to answer questions about parenting and family relationships. You can e-mail her with your questions.