Parents are the most important teachers their child will ever have, and their home is the most important classroom. Learning is not just for school; at least it shouldn’t be. Parents and teachers should work together to ensure a child receives the knowledge and social skills needed to become a productive member of society. Obviously, the two roles are very different, but both are very influential nonetheless. Both are equally appreciative to the other for what they do for the child. However, as a teacher and a mom, I am able to see both sides of the growth and development; I get to do both roles.

When it comes to being a mom, I am partial to my child and their well-being is my number one concern. As a teacher, all of my students are my priority, not just one. I am responsible for all of these students and take that very seriously. Seeing the realities of what happens at school, and knowing what it is like to be teacher, helps me as a parent. There are things I would otherwise be unaware of if not for being a teacher. For example, I would believe what my kid told me without much hesitation (well, a few of my kids anyway), because my kids tell me the truth; they are good kids. The reality is, even the good, honest kids do not always get the facts 100% right, because they may not have all of the facts. As a teacher, I see how things/situations can be misconstrued, confused, changed, etc. From a teacher’s perspective, there are some things I wish more parents knew. So, here is my teacher to parent advice! Read at your own risk!

5 Things Teachers Want Parents to Know:

1. We are not picking on your child.

Yes, we have an agenda, but we usually just call it a planner. We are NOT out to get your child. There are times you may think your kid is in “trouble” a lot, but I can assure you, it is not because the teacher doesn’t like him or her. Our job is to teach your child, and that includes correcting unacceptable behavior. We want nothing but the best for our students, and honestly, we would not risk our job to “pick on” a kid. Plus, we really just do not have that much time or energy anyway.

2. Ask your child questions if they tell you something that doesn't seem quite right.

OK, this may come as a shock to some people, BUT... sometimes kids lie, or tell a half-truth, which is still a lie. Do not take their story at face value, even if your child is perfect, because they only know their side. Stop and think about what they are telling you. Does it seem a little far-fetched? Does it sound like pieces of the story are missing? Well, chances are, you are probably right. Ask your child some probing questions, and most of the time, you will get the missing pieces to the story that should help you make sense of the situation.

3. Learning doesn't just happen at school.

Teachers and parents should be working together. Kids are learning at all times, not just when they are at school. Studies have proven that spending time with your child will help them do better in school, and that is with grades and behavior. So, play with your kids, eat dinner as a family, or just talk to your kids about what is going on in their life. Be involved and present in their life. For younger children, read to them or with them. Do not expect the teacher to teach them everything; this is an unrealistic expectation.

4. We will not talk about another child with you, just like we wouldn't talk about your child with another parent.

Stop and think about this for one second. Confidentiality is very important, and it happens to be the law. We will not tell you that Billy got recess taken away for pulling Jenny’s hair. To be quite frank, it is not your business. It IS your business to know that the situation was taken care of, but not the details regarding someone else’s child. Also, when your child comes home and informs you that Billy “didn’t even get in trouble” or “the teacher didn’t even do anything,” go back and think about #2. Ask some questions, but also realize that maybe, just maybe, the teacher did not make it public. Would you want everyone in the class to know when your child got in trouble? My guess is probably not. Trust the teacher.

5. We truly love your child.

Teachers really do love their students. We are not just buttering you up to get better “Winter Holiday” gifts. We do care about our school kids, and we want them to succeed. Remember, we are all on the same team. We all have the child’s best interest at heart.

Just to be clear, these are MY opinion, and are in NO WAY a representation of what my school or my children’s school thinks. I GENUINELY LOVE my students’ parents and could not be more grateful to them. The school district I work for is EXTREMELY blessed with supportive parents. Lastly, to all of the parents of my school children, I LOVE YOU. Now go reread the list because there will be a quiz on Friday! #Westisbest #MrsBrocks

This article is dedicated to all of the wonderful teachers at WE! I am glad you have the opportunity to work with someone as amazing as me. I am a blessing.