School and home: partners in your child's development

Shocking statement: your child is leading a double life. But don't panic, it's perfectly normal! It's just that school and home are two very different environments . It even has a lot of good sides, like allowing your child to have a variety of experiences or to get a break when things are not going well in one or the other of their life spheres .

That said, these two worlds have a lot of impact on each other . At school, it is very difficult for a young person to concentrate if he is tired or if he is preoccupied by a family situation. Home, for its part, is often the place where children feel comfortable enough to vent and make their parents suffer all the emotions repressed during the school day.

Fortunately, this impact can also be positive, especially if the teacher and parents communicate effectively. Because we spend so much time with the child and because our separate relationships with him are so meaningful, we each have immense power to help him meet his challenges. No wonder, then, that miracles happen when school and home join forces .

So here are some ideas that can help you work better with your child's teacher :

• Attend parent meetings. There is nothing like a good face-to-face discussion. Not only does it allow you to see the environment in which your child spends forty hours a week, but it also establishes a personal foundation on which all subsequent electronic or telephone discussions can be based.
• Participate in school trips as much as possible. This will give you an insight into your child's dynamics within the group and give you the opportunity to get to know his or her teacher better.
• When your child is experiencing a difficult situation at home, send an email to let the school know. Whether it’s the death of a pet or a bad night’s sleep, the teacher will be able to better support the student if she knows what’s going on.
• If your child is having a challenge at home (like speaking more kindly to his brother, for example) you can let his teacher know. She will be able to encourage him and she may even decide that it is a topic that would be beneficial for the whole group to discuss.
• If the teacher tells you about a challenge that your child needs to work on at school, encourage your child and provide feedback on it. If it is something that can also be applied in your home, do not hesitate to do so.
• Offer your expertise. If you have special skills or professional experiences that could benefit the school, you could lead a workshop or give a presentation on the topic.
• Keep in mind that the teacher has a lot of students and a huge mental load. When you write her an email, be realistic in your expectations. And if she is the one who takes the time to write to you, read the message in full.

All these measures will nourish a healthy channel of communication between the school and you. In addition, your child will notice that you are interested in him and that his two worlds are actually one.

To follow David Bessette, teacher, click here !

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