5 Steps to Resolving Parent-Teacher Conflicts

Okay...so you have an issue with your child's teacher. What are you going to do?

I've been on both sides of the desk. Most parents are reasonable and so are most teachers. Usually issues can be resolved amicably. 

One mom told me her daughter said she was going to have to go to summer school because she wasn't reading out of a particular book. The child was so distraught she didn't want to go to school. Thankfully the mom spoke with the instructor. As it turned out, the child completely misunderstood what the teacher had said. Thankfully the issue was cleared up fairly quickly and the child's fears were put to rest. 

Sometimes the problem is only a misunderstanding. It's wise not to draw a conclusion only from what your child tells you. 

Take the time to investigate the concern. Get all the facts.

If you have an issue with your child's teacher here are some ways to get to the solution side of the problem.

1. Pray. Ask God to give you clarity, calm, and grace in the situation.

2. Set up a meeting time as soon as possible. Don't make an angry call or send an emotional e-mail or note. Give yourself enough time to cool down but try to deal with the issue as soon as possible.

3. Remember most teachers are in the education business because they care about kids-including yours. Starting at the place of agreement is the very best place to begin. 

4. Be respectful. Describe your point of view using an even tone and in a reasonable, mature, and calm manner. Then listen to the educator's response.

5.  Ask what has been done so far and how you can be part of the solution. This shows a willingness and commitment on your part to help resolve whatever the concern may be.

By acting as if you are on the same team as your child's teacher you will be more likely to resolve the problem. Parents love their kids fiercely but kids aren't perfect. The teacher just may have some valuable insight. 

 A fool gives full vent to his anger.

 Proverbs 29:11

What types of challenging situations have you  faced? What advice would offer another parent? 

Friends! 

I just found out my friend and fellow M.O.M. Initiative team member, Rachel Wojnarowski,

is offering a free e-book on prayer called, The Sensational Scent of Prayer. You can get it on Amazon Monday, September 3rd and Tuesday, Sept. 4th! You will be blessed. -Lori

Born Free

Theme for May: Inspiration!

Verse: 

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim freedom for the captives 

and release from darkness for the prisoners."

 Isaiah 61:1 c-e

Mom's Musing: 

To the little bunny, his predicament looked impossible. He was at the bottom of a 9 foot window well with no way out. He attempted to escape, relying  on his own strength. Jumping as high as he could to no avail. He needed help to be released from his metal prison so he could be free to do what rabbits do.

I climbed down the metal wrung with a shoe box in one hand. I visualized  the sign at the pet store, "Bunnies bite." I bravely forged ahead to rescue my furry friend. Okay, I even named him -Buddy the Bunny.

Success. Buddy didn't want to be momentarily boxed but once corralled he was a step closer to freedom. When the cardboard cover was lifted his little paws hit the ground and ran-not hopped- off at lightning speed.

Reflecting on being able to participate in the born free experience, I thought about how children are so like my bunny buddy-Buddy. They get into a tough spots,  need assistance but may not appreciate what that help looks like. But as soon as they are released they can fulfill their purpose.

At the FYI (For Your Inspiration) conference Sandra Aldrich spoke about having faith in difficult circumstances. She said, "When God has us pray, He often has us participate in the miracle." Like the bunny,our children may need to be reined in before they can be released. And..God will most likely use parents to do this. We may be a little fearful but we must move forward in faith. Because when we do, our children will be in a better place to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.

Just yesterday Buddy fell into the same problem. Silly Wabbit! He had grown so he was harder to capture. His teeth must be bigger too. Being used by God usually comes with some  risk but the rewards are great. So when your "Buddy" repeats the same mistake when he's older, don't be surprise.  Be brave and climb back into the hole and help lift him out.

Parenting Tips: Look at your child's challenges as God given opportunities to train and direct his path.