by Archie

Created on: November 24, 2009

A parent's involvement in their child's education is a very important component of that child's curricular development both now and in the future. A child needs their parent's guidance and support through the many years of school up until graduation, and even still when that child becomes a young adult and enters college. Getting involved early in your child's academics is a commitment towards success that both you and your child must be dedicated to. Communicating effectively with your child's school at times can be very helpful. Other times, however, you may just be getting in the way of the school's methods of education.

Communicating effectively with your child's school should be a top priority in your attempt to be involved in your child's education. After all, you are flipping the bill for your child's schooling, and you have the right for your two cents to be heard. However, be sure that any communication you have with the school is constructive.

There comes to mind a scene from a classic movie, which illustrates what not to do when communicating with your child's school. The film Uncle Buck stars the late John Candy as the world's most unique uncle. He is given the task of babysitting his 2 nieces and 1 nephew. Uncle Buck has no idea about parenting, and therefore makes decisions based on how he has lived his own life. In one particular scene, Uncle Buck arrives at his niece's elementary school to pay a visit to the Vice Principal. Upon arrival, Uncle Buck appears to walk blindly through the halls, searching for the correct office door. He does not realize that his prized cigar is still lit and is smoking up the hallways. Finally, he meets the Vice Principal, and the encounter is brutal. The VP is a real starchy type of person, and proceeds to declare that Uncle Buck's niece is not taking her education seriously. Uncle Buck does not like the news, and he shows it. Instead of just following the wishes of some stuck-up VP, he gives her some advice. "Here's a quarter" he says, "go downtown and have a rat chew that mole off your face." The scene is hysterical, as I'm sure we all wish to tell someone off this way when they are in the wrong.

However, I do not recommend following in Uncle Buck's huge footsteps. Though he is obviously passionate about defending his family, he does so by insulting the advice of the school's VP and also her facial features. There are other, more constructive, ways to be involved in your child's academics. If there is an issue between your child and a faculty member, do become involved. You as the parent must be aware of the activities your child is performing at school. While you cannot always be by your child's side during the school days, you do have the right to be involved. Constructive criticism will come from teachers. There will be teachers your child doesn't like or doesn't get along with. These things happen. It's important that you do the right thing when an issue arises. What that 'right thing' is is entirely up to you.

Your child's education is a valuable asset. It needs time to grow and develop further value. Your child will learn how to grow as a person as well as a student with your commitment to their education. If an issue arises between your child and their school, do become involved. Do not hesitate to contact the school's teachers or superior authorities directly to handle the circumstances. Just remember one thing: Communicating effectively with your child's school need not be an assaultive act. Be constructive in any criticism you may have. Remember, your child's best interests are also your best interests.

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