Parent- Teacher Meetings

As I head for my son's end of the academic year parent teacher meeting, I am keeping a few things in mind and I am going to share it with you because it is very important for your child's development. To get the maximum amount of benefit out of the parent teacher meetings, you should go with an open mind and at the same time make an effort not to be too sensitive about the teacher’s negative remarks about your child.

Both the teachers and the parents should make a conscious effort to help the child in his performance. The purpose of such meetings is to allow parents and teachers to compare notes about the child. Unlike the report card which just gives a general remark, the parent teacher meeting allows you to have a discussion with the teacher. If you alert the teacher to a behavioural problem at home, she may be able to help.  

Some kids tend to listen more to their teachers. They take what their teachers say as gospel truth. If parents have a close rapport with their children’s teacher, they can harness the relationship to their advantage. Researches have shown that children benefit when parents and teachers have a good working relationship. If you show your enthusiasm towards the school, its activities and its teachers, your children will adopt your positive attitude.

There are certain things that the teachers are sometimes not aware of like if there is a problem at home or the child is allergic to dust. Then it is your duty to make the teacher aware of it. Get the meeting off on a right footing, with a comment of appreciation. 

If you are unhappy about something that the teacher did, then bring up the topic calmly. Instead of going on the offensive and having the meeting escalates into a heated argument, keep your cool and phrase your words carefully. If you see that the problems remains unresolved then approach the principal who can act as a moderator. However you should never head straight to the principal’s office without giving a chance to the teacher to explain. Remember with a good parent-teacher relationship, the real winner is your child.