Kids Do Better in School When Parents and Teachers Talk

For parents with school age children, communication with teachers can feel as easy as an old shoe or as prickly as a cactus. According to the Department of Education, children do better in school when parents get involved in their children's education. Kids also behave better, have a more positive attitude toward school, and grow up to be more successful in life.

To improve communication with teachers, attend back-to-school nights and other school events. Get to know the teachers and other school staff. Listen to their plans; know what they hope to do with students.

Talk with teachers. Remember they want your child to succeed. Some teachers are better than others with adults. Written notes are one way to reach teachers.

Get the facts first.

Misunderstandings happen. According to one parent, his child came home and told his mom that he will have no recess for a week for talking too much. The mom was so upset when she called the teacher that she was barely civil. Luckily, the teacher was patient and finally explained that the boy must have misheard. He was kept five minutes from recess only one day.

Ask the teacher, especially teachers of older kids, how to communicate. She may prefer email, phone calls or notes. Ask her where and when it is a good time to call.

When meeting with teachers and school staff, take someone with you. Take a translator if you need one, or another family member. Others can be helpful when listening to teachers explain challenging situations.

Sign and return all paperwork

Follow up on all paperwork. Teachers spend time writing notes home to parents. These notes may be about field trips, book reports, special folders, etc. Support the process by checking the young child's backpack each day and reading all items from school. Sign and return what is needed.

Teachers are human too. They will make mistakes, lose their temper, get sick, become irritable, lose family members, and more. They have lives, but they want to remain professional at all times. If you have a negative interaction with one of them, try again.

When concerns or problems come up, keep an open mind, and call the teacher to clear them up.