Let’s face it. When your child’s school calls, it can be a very stressful experience. It’s difficult for both you and your young ones, but it is one of those times when you need to make decisions rationally.
You can get called due to various reasons like your child’s misbehaving, not listening to the teacher’s instructions, or not doing well in studies. According to a 2019 study by the International Journal of Science & Engineering Development Research, several reasons can contribute to children misbehaving at school. These reasons can range from a lack of interest in studies and classroom environment to getting bored during extra-curricular activities.
But, as parents, you need to remember that teachers usually call parents to ensure the child’s well-being. Moreover, it is important for us to know the issue and get it resolved as it involves our little ones’ future.
Now, every time your child’s school calls, it may not be just to report his/her misconduct. It may be the case that your kid has performed exceptionally well in their exams or has done something worthy of praise. During such times, it is equally important to encourage your kid for their achievements! So, the next time the call comes from school, keep these tips in mind.
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What to Do When the School Calls?
Here are 10 things you need to keep in mind if you receive a call from your child’s school:
The first step in handling a call from your child’s school is to stay calm. Take a deep breath and approach the situation with an open mind. Reacting emotionally can cloud your judgment and make it harder to understand the full context of the issue. Remaining composed allows you to listen more effectively and think clearly about the best way to respond.
- Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm yourself before answering the call.
- Positive Mindset: Approach the call with the assumption that the school wants to work with you, not against you.
When you receive the call, listen carefully to what the teacher or school official is saying. Make sure to note key points and ask clarifying questions if needed. Understanding the full scope of the situation is essential before you can respond appropriately. This includes being attentive to both what is said and the tone in which it is communicated.
- Active Listening: Focus fully on the speaker, avoid interrupting, and repeat back what you’ve heard to confirm understanding.
- Taking Notes: Jot down important points during the call to refer back to later.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Inquire about the specifics of the situation, such as when and where the incident occurred, who was involved, and what actions have already been taken. This information will help you get a clearer picture and formulate a plan.
- Clarification: Ask for specific examples or details to better understand the context.
- Impact: Inquire about how the situation is affecting your child’s academic performance or social interactions.
Working collaboratively with the school is vital for resolving any issues. Show that you are willing to partner with them to support your child’s education and well-being. Discuss potential solutions and be open to their suggestions and insights.
- Team Approach: Use language that emphasizes teamwork, such as “We can work together to…”
- Solution-Oriented: Focus on finding practical solutions rather than assigning blame.
After the call, have a conversation with your child to get their perspective. It’s important to hear their side of the story and understand their feelings. This will help you address the issue more effectively and support your child appropriately.
- Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage your child to share more information, such as “Can you tell me more about what happened?”
- Empathy: Show understanding and empathy towards your child’s feelings and perspective.
Make sure to follow up on the discussed action plan. Check in with the school periodically to monitor progress and ensure that the issue is being resolved. Consistent communication will show that you are committed to your child’s success and well-being.
- Regular Updates: Schedule regular check-ins with the school to discuss progress and any further steps needed.
- Progress Reports: Request written progress reports if possible.
Keep a record of all communications with the school, including phone calls, emails, and meetings. Documenting these interactions can be helpful if the issue persists or if further action is required.
- Detailed Notes: Include dates, times, and key points discussed in your records.
- Emails: Save and organize emails in a dedicated folder for easy reference.
If the issue is particularly challenging or if you feel overwhelmed, seek support. This could be from other parents, school counselors, or external professionals. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
- Parent Support Groups: Join local or online groups for advice and shared experiences.
- Professional Help: Consult with educational psychologists or counselors if necessary.
Maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Children often take cues from their parents, so staying positive and proactive can help your child feel more secure and supported.
- Positive Language: Use encouraging words and phrases when discussing the issue with your child.
- Modeling Behavior: Show your child how to approach problems with a constructive attitude.
Stay informed about the school’s policies, your child’s academic requirements, and any relevant educational resources. Being knowledgeable will empower you to advocate more effectively for your child.
- School Policies: Familiarize yourself with the school’s code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
- Educational Resources: Utilize available resources, such as tutoring services or after-school programs.
Conclusion
Handling a call from your child’s school can be daunting, but with these expert tips, you can navigate the situation with confidence. Remember to stay calm, listen carefully, ask questions, and work collaboratively with the school. By staying proactive and positive, you can ensure the best outcomes for your child’s education and well-being. By following these guidelines, you’ll be better prepared to handle any calls from your child’s school, ensuring that you can support your child effectively and foster a positive educational experience.
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One thing to add is talking about your child’s constant progress and not just when issues come up. This can help avoid misunderstandings. Also, sending a quick follow-up email after a call can make sure everyone is on the same page.
It gives good advice, but adding real-life examples would make it more relatable. Also, as a parent of an 11-year old son I struggled a lot as the school wasn’t helpful, so tips on handling uncooperative staff would be useful. It could also mention support teams like school counselors who can help in tough situations.