by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: December 17, 2008

As a parent we want to be in control of all aspects of our child's life. We don't want them to hurt, to fail or fall behind. It is for these same reasons that educators work with parents to create a successful education program. The way education continuously changes and evolves makes it very difficult for someone not in the educational field to keep up. While it is essential for a parent to be part of their child's education, it does not mean in this case a parent knows best.

With a forty hour or more work week and running a household, parents are pulled in many directions. Dinners to be made, dishes, cleaning, the list goes on and on of everyday activities. Helping with homework needs to be fit in, tests to be studied for and assignments checked. Parents do not always have the amount of time necessary to give an educator input on what they believe their child should be learning. During grade school through junior high, a parents choice in what their child learns in school is limited. Once a student is in Junior or Senior High, a parent has more preference as to what their children will take for courses. Preparation for college now begins earlier than ever before. Though a teacher can offer a suggestion as to what your child may excel at, you know your child best.

The guidelines for youth education are determined by the state and federal government. The guidelines determine how teachers are instructed before they begin a career in teaching. Educators are instructed and prepared specifically to lead children through the process of learning. A teacher is often not given the credit they deserve. Not only do they work a standard eight hour shift, but often put in massive amounts of hours at home. It may be correcting tests, preparing a project or continuing their own education. A teacher is an expert in their field, they work with students like your child daily. After some time, an educator will easily recognize how a child may learn best and work with you to accentuate that ability. In all aspects of our life we look for experts in their fields. We go to a doctor for an injury, an accountant to file taxes. It should be the same for the education of our students. As parents we don't ever want to admit, someone else may know best how to educate our children.

Schools should be in control of a child's education; however, a parent can influence their children's learning curve by working with them at home. Reviewing what they are learning in school and expanding on that knowledge is one of the best places to start. Working with your children on their schoolwork is beneficial especially if begun during the first few years. Continuously working with your child, and your child's teacher, will keep you in the loop. There are also beliefs, morals and judgements that parents would prefer to teach their children. Though a teacher cannot change a lesson plan for each individual student, there are many programs for children who are excelling in individual subjects, and an equal number for those falling behind.

The choice between schools and parents educating our children will never be a clear cut one. A parent is a necessary part of any childs education both in school and out. Many things our children learn, we want to be the ones to teach them; however, when it comes to many subjects, parents can be ill prepared.

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