Here are 10 things that will help optimize your relationship with your child’s teacher. We firmly believe that if followed you can more easily navigate whatever challenges arise.

1. Be a Team Player – your child spends thousands of hours with this person so try to give them the benefit of the doubt when forming this meaningful relationship
2. Initiate conversation with them at the start of the school year – this shows that you care, and are interested in cooperating with whatever comes up.
3. Keep it positive – try to use language that will be received positively, and avoid things that may make the teacher defensive. If it does get to that point do not take it personally and try to move past it.
4. Communicate at the teacher’s convenience – find out which medium works best for the teacher (email, text, phone, school app) and also try not to bombard them with too much frequency of communication. Just determine with them how often you need to speak
5. Nip problems in the bud – do not wait to start addressing behavior or academic issues facing your child. Get in front of them after the first week of school but ideally within the first month. Usually around the time of Parent-Teacher Conferences.
6. Share what works – you have been parenting your child for years and the teacher may have only spent 100 hours with them at this point. Speak up regarding what you know works.
7. Come prepared – come with notes, problematic homework, or attitude reports when attending a parent-teacher conference or other scheduled meeting.
8. Show up and get involved – be a “room parent”, a chaperone, a volunteer at whatever capacity is available and you are capable of. This shows the teacher you are committed beyond the status quo.
9. Take advice from the teacher – classrooms are a different environment than the home and your child’s teacher may see something you do not. Be open minded and again try not to take it too personal
10. Be Thankful – show the teacher that you appreciate them. Send a note or small gift. Simply say “thank you” when you see them.

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