Teacher Interactions

My Saturday Suggestion is to jot down a few notes before you call your child’s teacher, especially if you are upset about something. Just know, as you read on, I am not talking about major things like a child coming home with unexplained injuries (when you may be concerned that they are being abused or mistreated). These tips are for the everyday things that come up when a child who can’t communicate is in the care of others.

Our emotions run close to the surface with our kids, maybe a bit more so when our kids cannot advocate for themselves or keep themselves safe. When something happens at school that needs to be addressed, we can come across as angry and combative. In the end, this doesn’t strengthen our relationship with the teacher, and it may cause negative repercussions for our children.

Here’s An Idea

Jot down a few notes before you call. Make sure you have a couple of positive things to say.  Open with one of the positive things and then gently express your concern.  Let the teacher know why you wish things had been handled differently. Have an open discussion and listen to the teacher’s side of things.  Maybe he or she had good reason to handle things the way they did.  Then, end the call with your thanks for all of their hard work.

The vast majority of teachers are trying to do their best.  They will make mistakes and they will sometimes handle things differently than you would, but they still deserve to be treated with respect. 

Plus, treating them with kindness increases the chances they will do the same for your child.