Mark Oppenheimer raised this question during our conversation at Claire’s about the whole “back to school” phenomenon.
We also discussed those tiny chairs they make you sit in for parent-teacher conferences. Are they kidding? If you can’t find me an adult sized chair, let’s just meet at Starbucks.
So, what is a good philosophy for parental involvement in schools?
Kim Grehn says
Take them at their word. The schools are always telling us they wanted more parental involvement. We are involved. Of course, it is a two-way street. We want the schools to keep us informed of any issues. Our schools do not do a great job of communicating. They prefer to wait for conferences.
webguygary says
I have a few relatives and friends who are teachers, and they encourage parental involvement, but they’ve also told me stories or parents calling them at home every week.
Bruce says
I’ve heard horror stories from sports coaches about being bothered by overzealous parents…
John Broker says
Not a parent myself, but heard an interesting take on it recently. Regarding successful parents who involve themselves too much in their child’s education and sports, a friend (and successful parent) feels it is a shame for people who struggled and worked hard for success to want their child to breeze through life without challenges. It is part of the growing process.
duo says
the best advice is to know that your kids are who they are from the time they exit the womb with a view, but you can screw it up if you let danger into their lives by neglect or simply assume that by affect and tolerance you can be your child’s friend.
Parents hasve to be the bad guy sometimes, but they must, first last and always, “do no harm”