The importance of parent-teacher relationships and how to build them

Children trust educators the most after their families. Teachers play a crucial role in the brain development of children by further developing their social and emotional skills, building on what they have learned at home, and helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

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Even though I haven’t been in a classroom for a few years, I still have a strong passion for and connection to the education system. I understand that it can be difficult to draw the line between the responsibilities of parents and teachers. Many educators have confided in me that parents’ expectations and demands on their children can sometimes strain their relationships with families.

Given the significance of teachers in children’s lives, I’d like to share some tips on how families can establish solid connections with them.

Even if you are a few years down the track on the journey of childhood education, it is good to be reminded of the crucial role that educators play in our family lives.

How to build a good relationship with your child’s teacher

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Check with them about how (and when) they prefer to be contacted

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Teachers are some the hardest working people out there. They spend weekends curating engaging lessons for our kids, work long days – often getting to school long before the official school day starts and well after it has ended – and also attend numerous meetings every single week.

So, please think carefully about when you choose to contact your child’s teacher. Most schools have a format or online software that they use for communicating with teachers. Learn it, use it, and respect it. Our educators deserve their time off too.

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Try not to speak negatively about them in front of your kids

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While you may not always agree with your child’s teacher, it’s essential to refrain from speaking negatively about them or putting them down in front of your children.

This type of behaviour can send harmful messages to our kids about the importance of educators and the critical work they do on a daily basis. Teacher are dedicated individuals who show up (mostly) with smiles on their faces and take pleasure in being around our children. It’s crucial to maintain a positive relationship with them at all times.

Keep before school screen time to a minimum 

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To optimise your child’s learning potential, it’s good to minimise distractions and promote focus. Consider turning off the television before school and encourage your child to engage in calming and open-ended activities such as building, crafting, or drawing.

Additionally, think about your child’s breakfast options. While busy parents may opt for a quick meal such as cereal or toast, preparing a more substantial breakfast such as eggs or a hearty porridge can significantly impact your child’s brain function and help them stay focused throughout the morning.

Get involved!

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We’re all busy people – but try to carve out some time to get involved in your school community in any way you can.

It means so much to our educators and even more to our children that we are involved in these communities with them. One valuable lesson we learned from remote learning is the significance of our schools to both our communities and children’s overall well-being. Teachers and schools play a significant role in shaping a child’s identity and will continue to do so for many years to come. As such, it’s essential to celebrate and support their contributions through our daily interactions and engagement.

Teamwork for the win

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When it comes to a child’s precious brain, parents and educators should work together as a team to develop it! After all, it’s the most important and challenging job out there!

Affectionately known as ‘The Child Charmer’, Chrissie Davies is an educator, parent and founder of Chaos to Calm Consultancy with more than twenty years of experience achieving positive, game-changing results for countless families under her belt. You can purchase her book, here.