My neighbour, Suniti, is totally engrossed in her child and her school activities. Despite the fact that she works, Suniti makes it a point to keep in close touch with her daughter’s school teachers. She is also a regular presence at almost all school functions and an enthusiastic volunteer on such occasions. How does she manage to find the time?
It is possible for working parents to maintain a healthy interaction with the child’s school, says Suniti. In fact, it is vital, she feels. Most teachers feel that children whose parents are interested in school activities, do well at school. When teachers have that expectation, children often end up doing better work or getting better results.
Staying Involved with your Child’s School [Illustration by Shiju George]
- If the teachers know you and see you occasionally, they will realise you are interested. Meet teachers personally even if you need to arrange to meet them in the half-hour before children arrive or after school.
- Be sure to attend any school ‘Open Houses’ or events.
- Since school friends are very important to children try and make an effort to know your their friends as well as their parents. This will become increasingly vital as your children grow into adolescence. Let your child invite friends over on weekends and holidays. It will indicate that you are interested in knowing your child’s friends and are thereby, interested in her or him.You may have noticed that on coming back from school most children tend to talk about the happenings of the day. It might help to listen and throw in a few casual questions. Ultimately, what parents need is a deep commitment to their child’s welfare.
