If your child is sincere about his/her attitude concerning a teacher, this needs thorough investigation by you, the parent. Many times children actually hate the teacher because the teacher has not been kind, loving, or considerate towards them . Most children love a teacher who truly manifests evidences of caring and warmth. However, if a teacher has put your child in a position where hatred or dislike exudes, watch out! You are in for a continually bad ride all school year.

The first thing a parent can do is to go to the school and ask if you can observe in the classroom. Say little to the teacher about your child's feelings unless the teacher brings it up. If you come in on the defensive, the teacher will be sure to give your child little benefit of the doubt. So, just sit and observe. Do this on announced and unannounced occasions if possible. You will get a general feel of how the teacher relates not only to your child, but all the children in the room. Try to stay at least 1-2 hours each time you visit. You will eventually be able to unravel the truth about your child's position.

Listen carefully to the teacher's voice as he/she addresses each child. Notice if there are variations or inflections in his/her voice as the children in the class are addressed.
If you see a radical swing from sweet to agitated, you can be sure the teacher has some students which are more favored above the others. Also notice how he/she keeps the classroom. Is it organized, neat and tastefully decorated, or is it messy, dirty and totally unorganized. If the latter is the case, your child may be fully justifed in having those personal feelings about the teacher in question. Disorganized teachers are sometimes beset with their own emotional problems, and cannot fully give to the class their best.

Validate your child's feelings by continual talks with him/her. Ask relevant questions as to why the negative feelings about the teacher exist. Do not take sides, but keep asking the questions. Next observe your child's progress reports and grades. If they are not up to par, something indeed is wrong. Ask to see evidence of your child's grades- things such as grades in a grade book, computerized progress reports, percentages, and ask how grades are generated. Be the sleuth in this case, and stay on the case. You will turn up more evidence of why your child cannot have the comfort of liking the teacher.

Ask to speak to the teacher after

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