Whether you realize it or not, you are your child’s best teacher. In today’s society it is important that you deliberately teach your children the way in which they should go. We can’t sit back and expect the schools to do it. You must take control of your children’s education.
We can’t sit back and expect the schools to do it.
|
Does this call to action scare you? You may be saying:
• “But teachers are the experts.” School officials are not the experts on your children’s needs. You are! You know them better than they do. You love them more than they ever could. So don’t tell yourself, I’m not a teacher.
• “I’m not equipped or educated enough.”Teaching your children what they need to know in order to become productive adults does not require a master’s degree. It calls for a loving heart, a teachable spirit and a strong desire to set your child up for success.
• “I don’t know what I should teach.” Before you decide, you should discover what your children already know and what their needs are. Then you can set priorities and proceed with confidence.
• “I send them to a good school. Isn’t that enough?” In the debate over schooling options, there is no single right answer. Every child has different needs. Your job is to match a program or school choice to the needs of your children and family as a whole. But, yes, it matters where they go to school.
• “I already volunteer once a week.” Consider going to the teacher and asking, “How can I best serve you this year?” He or she would love to help you get more involved in your child’s education.
• “I don’t feel comfortable telling teachers what my child needs.” School officials should be happy to see you. You can help them by becoming an advocate for your child’s needs without being an adversary.
—Vicki Caruana
