How to Build Parent and Teacher Relationships

Both parents and educators can agree on one thing: the success of your child is the most important objective this school year. Let’s not forget that many educators are also parents themselves. As a parent, your goal is your child’s utmost success. You will do anything to make that a reality. Parents and educators who work cohesively throughout the school year to meet the student’s educational objectives are ahead of the game. This is why it is so important to build and maintain good relationships with your child’s educator – relationships with open lines of communication on both ends. So let’s dive into how to build parent and teacher relationships.
Reach Out
Taking a proactive role in forming a good relationship with your child’s educator does not have to wait until the school year has begun. Reach out and contact your student’s educator before school starts. Trade e-mails and phone numbers and start a dialogue in the days and weeks leading up to the first day of class. This will help ensure that your child’s needs are being met on day one.
Show Up
Whenever possible, make sure to attend school events and activities. This includes events like open houses, back-to-school nights, orientations and parent-teacher conferences. They were created to develop the relationship between parents and school faculty. Take advantage of these opportunities. Volunteering for classroom hours or field trips are also great ways to show the staff you are dedicated and willing to put in the work for your child. Simple participation goes a long way in developing stronger relationships with educators.
Maintain Communication
Your child excelling does not mean you should cease or slow down communications with school staff. On the contrary, this may be the time to talk more. Find out what is working inside the classroom and share what you are doing at home to help your child learn at his or her best.
The Challenges
If you do find your child struggling, talk with the school and your child’s Kumon Instructor to identify where the disconnect happened and what concepts might need polishing. Develop an individualized action plan specific to your child’s needs. Then work together to enact the plan at home and at school.
The Approach
It is no secret that great relationships of any kind demand open and honest communication. By taking a spirited approach to building and maintaining good relations with the school staff from the start, you will be doing your part to see that everyone achieves the goal – to enable your child with the tools needed to succeed.