Don't Blame The Teacher

Parents--Own Up to your responsibility. It is not the teacher's job to teach your children BEFORE they start school; it is yours. Teach them--alphabet recognition, appropriate behavior, respect, self-control, number recognition, and how to obey authority. Get them--any medical attention they may need or special services they may need, BEFORE they start school. Have their eyes checked and get glasses, if needed.  Have their hearing checked, and follow the doctor's instructions.  If you suspect any learning disability before they start school, have your child tested--the testing is free and use the services offered.  Their success in school rest upon your shoulders, not the teacher's. Prime their brains to learn, NOW!  Children are a precious commodity--Treat them as such.  Help them to prepare to receive knowledge and motivate them to want to learn.  If you do your job, teachers can do theirs.  It is not the teacher's responsibility to teach your child how: to sit still, stop talking, tie their shoes, get them dressed, be courteous, respect authority and themselves, personal hygiene, getting enough sleep so their brains will function appropriately, or to be good children.  That is your job. Read to your children, listen to your children, teach them to be self-sufficient, and love them enough to allow them to make mistakes without making a mountain out of a mole hill.  We all make mistakes and we should learn from them.  Not every mistake warrants punitive action.  Talk to your children and establish a right relationship with them so communication lines remain open. If you have a right relationship with God, He can and will steer you in the right direction in all things.  Learn to listen to Him by studying His Word.

After they start school--stay involved in their learning.  Participate at the school. Help them with homework.  Show an interest in what they're learning and encourage and motivate higher standards on a daily basis.  Reward them for good grades and good behavior.  Get to know the teachers and the principal.  Learn how to be a better parent than you are, even if you think you're a good one.  There is always room for improvement.  Help the children make this world a better place.  A teacher sees your child for a limited time, five days a week.  You have had unlimited access for the first five years of their life and you alone control their home environment.  Make it a positive one--conducive to learning and success in school.