Sending your child off to school is bittersweet. It is easy to remember “just the other day,” when your child was a toddler who didn’t need to go to school, and to think of how quickly time flies. Of course, you want your child to have the best school experience possible, and if that doesn’t happen, it can make sending your child to school even more difficult to bear. One issue that can complicate the situation is when your child doesn’t like his teacher. What do you do if your child doesn’t get along with his teacher? Here are some suggestions:
Don’t Take Sides
It may be tempting to rush to your child’s “rescue” and vilify the teacher. However, making your child’s teacher into the bad guy won’t help your child at all – and will actually be counterproductive to solving the problem at hand. Being a parent often means doing the hard thing, and though it may be hard to remain a neutral mediator when it comes to your child’s interactions, the best thing you can do when your child is clashing with his teacher is to approach the situation with a cool head.
Get the Full Story
Open communication is very important here. Have a serious discussion with your child to get the complete story. Are there specific incidents that require you to take action? Or is it possible that your child is just having a difficult time in school and placing blame on the teacher? Students and teachers may not mesh for a variety of reasons. You need to understand your child’s particular reasons if you are to get a grip on the problem.
Approach the Teacher
Schedule a private meeting with your child’s teacher. Without giving away any sensitive information your child has entrusted you with, ask the teacher if a problem is perceived on the school’s end. Remember that there are two sides to every story, and that knowing the teacher’s side can provide you with that extra perspective you need when it comes to problem solving.
Change Teachers
If worse comes to worse and it ends up that the issue is really a matter of differing personalities, and your child’s school performance is suffering for it, it may be necessary to take your case to the school principal and ask for a change of classroom. This is a last resort, but it is an option if your child is suffering and the measures you have taken prove to be ineffective.
Your child faces a lot of stress in school – some of which you may not even be aware of. When your child does not get along with his teacher, that can compound the stress. Follow these suggestions to handle that issue, should it arise.
About the Author: Carey Dainels is a single mother of a tween girl who knows how tough it can be when a child and a teacher have a personality conflict. When she’s not taking care of her daughter, Carey researches candida expert opinions and enjoys writing about health and wellness.