As a parent, sometimes we ask our children how their day was at school only to be replied to with a monotone, “It was fine.” If you feel you are lacking a connection with the place you are sending them off to every day, there are several ways to get a more inside perspective.
By getting involved with our children’s school we can feel as if we are more in tune with the world that they are a part of. It also gives us more to talk about with our children, whether it be at the dinner table or one on one.
Follow these tips and you’ll feel more involved in your child’s education almost instantly.
Sign Up For the PTA
The PTA, which stands for “Parent Teacher Association” is an organization within the school for parents to network with fellow parents, students, and teachers. It’s a fantastic way to feel connected with the ins and outs of the school’s policies and politics, and get your voice heard.
In addition to making your own voice heard, you can be a spokesperson for your own child’s voice as well. Perhaps your child continues to comment on the unsanitary bathroom conditions, or not enough time to get to classes in between periods. By joining the PTA you ensure that you can be a part of any changes you wish to see.
Start a School Group
A great way to go beyond merely attending meetings is to conduct your own. Starting a group is a fantastic outlet for making genuine connections and getting a feel for what other parents are going through.
A school group could be anything from a support group for families of divorce, to spreading awareness about teen substance abuse, to simply starting a running club.
By creating a small community within a community, you can really get a sense of belonging in their academic world, and hopefully encourage your child to join the group as well.
Help with Homework
Assisting with homework and monitoring what kind of material is coming home and going out each day is one of the best ways to build a solid relationship with your child and understand exactly what kind of pressure they are under in the academic system.
So often parents assume that homework isn’t getting done simply because their child was lazy or didn’t practice efficient time management; however, when we delve in and see just how much work some of these teachers are sending home, we can begin to empathize on a deeper level.
Volunteer For Field Trips
By law, there must be a certain number adults per amount of students when going on a field trip. Teachers are frequently in need of parent volunteers to accompany the class. If your schedule permits having some time free during the day, volunteering for a field trip is a great way to get involved and be of help.
Originally posted on November 8, 2016 @ 6:45 am
