More strategies for back to school

One question I get asked by parents is how to deal with a troublesome teacher that doesn't seem to want to listen to the suggestions on how to deal with their child. This is quite a dilemma and ends up being a battle of the experts.

On one side you have the parents who are experts on their child and really feel they know what is best.

On the other side you have the teacher who is an expert on their classroom and really feel that they know what is best.

Who's right? Unfortunately, neither side is usually right. Parents generally don't understand the limitations and frustrations that come with teaching. While teachers tend to get stuck in "their way" of doing things and have a hard time adapting to some students. After all, "their way" works for majority of the students, why should they have to change for just one?

So what do you do?

Sadly, there is no one answer for this question. A lot has to do with the teacher and the parents. But the main thing is to communicate-nicely, politely and quickly. Parents, please remember that teachers have a very limited time to talk and say things as quickly as possible. And teachers, please remember that just because you think a parent doesn't understand, that doesn't make them wrong.

Best of Wishes,

Darcy Andries