By BERN MORLEY
There’s more to establishing a relationship with your child’s teacher than just having to see them when your child is in trouble for break dancing in front of the class….again. I have had to learn this lesson the hard way…
See, I managed to get through my daughter’s entire Primary School Education without so much as a “Can we have a quick word?” from any one of her teachers.
Of course, I always met twice yearly for the obligatory parent/teacher interview to discuss her general education and wellbeing but they would always end up saying the same thing. That being “She’s kind, a joy to teach and if she only talked less and applied herself more, she’d probably be an ‘A’ student. I present the apple and I present you with the tree…
This all changed however with the introduction to school of my son Jack and his “magic making”. I’ll explain.
It was about the 5th week in of Jack’s Prep year and for some great reason, I was able to collect him from his classroom a little early giving me the chance to stealthily watch him through the window as he performed some kind of hip shaking dance routine in front of his classmates, blissfully unaware that he was being watched by his Mother.
That’s when his teacher turned and spotted me and motioned for me come inside when the bell rang. That’s when I heard the words “We need to have a chat about Jack’s behaviour when you get a chance.” My heart sank.
Top Comments
Can I be flippant yet serious? Jack sounds adorable to me, plus enterprising - such entrepeneurial skills in one so young! As a secondary teacher I applaud parental contact - sadly too rare in some of the most needed cases. There's hope yet for clever, wayward little Jack...my own son was a terror all through infants, primary and most of high school. He was the class clown and a poor listener and most teachers detested him. I spent years dreading and avoiding parent/teacher encounters, think I might have even stopped going in high school, coward that I am!
Thank you for sharing this. My kids won't be attending school til 2 years but I will certainly keep these tips and thought in mind for that day!