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Parent-Teacher Relationship and Cooperation: An Important Factor in Student’s Quality Learning and Self-Development

Recently, a viral post of an American middle-school teacher named Julie Marburger caught the attention of educators around the world. According to her post, she has finally decided to leave her teaching career at the end of this year because of an incident which she claimed to have left her “emotionally unable to continue for the day.”

“Parents have become far too disrespectful, and their children are even worse.” She wrote.

Through her post, she voiced out her disappointment and complained to the parents who tolerate the misbehavior of their children instead of cooperating with the teachers can better educate the students. The administration of the school was mentioned too, with her claiming that they always want to keep the parents happy which leaves her with no way to the job she was hired to do which is to TEACH KIDS.

I have never heard of a profession where people put so much of their heart and soul into their job, taking time and resources from their home and family, and getting paid such an insultingly measly amount.

Julie Marburger

Well, sadly, Ms. Marburger is just one of the million faces of teachers who experience the same struggle every day. Aside from the many painful paperwork teachers have to work on, they are also required to deal with parents, who, most of the time, are rude to the teachers. Being a teacher is not only about teaching; schools have to engage parents too actively, but it gets difficult if they are uncooperative.

Among the common problems when it comes to parents are the following:

  1. Parents who tolerate their child’s misbehavior (especially in front of the teacher)
  2. Parents who don’t care about their child’s performance in school
  3. Parents who don’t cooperate with the school’s activities and advocacies
  4. Parents who have high expectations of their child and who can’t accept their child’s limits, therefore, leading the child to misbehave or perform badly

Unfortunately, these parents do not understand that their cooperation is needed too to achieve their child’s success. They do not know that they can be better teachers of their child. Something must be done in able to raise awareness on this issue for the students future is at stake. Making a move is difficult, but if all educators voice out the same sentiment at the same time, this issue will surely be given attention.

This situation doesn’t just happen in the US but around the world. It happens too, here in the Philippines. In most cases, parents would often come to the school to express their rant on the teacher who gave their child a failing mark claiming that their child deserves more. Worst is, those parents who seem to insist on their so-called good parenting skills when they are called due to their child’s misbehavior. Instead of cooperating with the teacher to correct their child’s misbehavior, they even validate that what their child’s misdemeanor is right and that there’s nothing to worry about it. These situations seemed to be the trend now, and it is causing the teachers to get stressed making them lose their passion in their chosen field.

Parents also have to take part in a child’s education. They are the principal instrument to ensure their child’s success.

Below are the things that parents can do in able to make sure that their child is receiving the education that they need:

1. Regularly ask your child about school matters.

This article doesn’t side the teachers purely. Sometimes, teachers can be making some mistakes in handling the students too, so it is vital for the parents to ask their child about what goes around the school. This way, the child can also feel that they are being cared for. This will surely help the kid feel motivated at school bringing out the best in him every time.

2. Take a time to know about the school’s activities and advocacy.

If you are a parent, it is your obligation to know about what’s going around the school in able to monitor your child’s activities too. Sometimes, parents come to school complaining about their child coming home late or getting busy with so many school stuff only to find out that their child is just making the school an excuse to go out of their home and do other activities which do not involve academics.

3. Attend parent-teacher conferences or meetings when asked to

If the teacher calls your attention either through a letter or phone call, make sure that you allow time to visit the school for a teacher’s appeal has always got something to do with important matters that involve your child.

4. Teach kids to respect their teachers.

The way your child treats his teacher says a lot about what kind of parent you are. You cannot expect your child to practice discipline and respect at school if you don’t teach it yourself at home. Make sure your child learn to practice these two important things for these are among the many keys to achieving success in life.

5. Make sure your child knows that misbehavior has consequences.

This is very important. Your child will never know and will never practice discipline if you don’t address and point out their misbehavior. They must understand that there is an equivalent value they must pay for every unacceptable conduct they practice and that they are always accountable for their actions.

In able to promote cooperation, the following can also serve as a guide to the teachers who find it difficult to drag the uncooperative parents to the school:

1. Establish trust.

You can start it by informing the parents about the good things that go around the school or about the commendable deeds their children did in the class. Of course, parents don’t just want to hear about the wrong things and don’t only want to be phoned or message to find out something that is disappointing. Make sure you also communicate the good things in the school. This way, they will realize that you are right in doing your duties as their children’s second parent.

2. Establish your authority.

Be confident in facing the parents and show them that you are the one who knows the job best. Do not be intimidated when talking to the parents and always find or present them something that they are not aware of about their child. Parents still get surprised when they find out something new about their child so make sure that you consistently and carefully monitor your student’s progress.

3. Listen and Empathize.

Always listen to the side of the parents’ first showing that you are sincerely processing what they say. It is always important to filter what they say and to always respond positively with a low tone of voice. The words, “I am so sorry that happened” are highly effective. Always insist that wrong behavior must be watched and not be repeated calmly. When you do this, still use the term WE and make the parents feel that correcting their child’s misbehavior is teamwork between you and them. Making them think that you both are working together on the matter you raise will surely win their hearts.

We hope that the tips mentioned in this article will serve as an excellent guide to establish a good relationship between parents and teachers. Always remember that in able to educate the future generation well, all the stakeholders of education must have a harmonious relationship.

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Mark Anthony Llego

Mark Anthony Llego, from the Philippines, has significantly influenced the teaching profession by enabling thousands of teachers nationwide to access essential information and exchange ideas. His contributions have enhanced their instructional and supervisory abilities. Moreover, his articles on teaching have reached international audiences and have been featured on highly regarded educational websites in the United States.

3 thoughts on “Parent-Teacher Relationship and Cooperation: An Important Factor in Student’s Quality Learning and Self-Development”

  1. Thank you very much sir..The topics are very educational..and I love the topic about relationship between parents and teachers becasuse I can get ideas on how to deal with them specially in this time od pandemic.God bless and stay safe

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