The Importance of Respecting Your Child’s Teacher

While the friendships your child forms with peers are important, you may be surprised to learn that the most significant relationship for your child’s educational success and development is the one you build with their teacher.

For many children, the most influential adults in their daily lives are their parents and their educators. These are the people who guide them, set expectations, and provide encouragement. When children see and hear their parents and teachers working respectfully together, they feel secure, supported, and motivated to do their best.

Why Respect Matters

Research shows that positive connections between parents and teachers lead to:

• Improved academic achievement
• Stronger social skills
• Better emotional wellbeing
• Fewer behavioural issues
• Greater adaptability and confidence

A respectful parent–teacher relationship also benefits parents and educators. Working together helps strengthen communication, build trust, and develop consistent strategies to support children’s learning and behaviour both at home and at school.

The Three C’s of Positive Partnerships

Successful partnerships between families and educators are built on three key elements:

1. Communication
   Stay connected with your child’s teacher early on and throughout the school year. Share information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests, and ask how best to keep in touch—whether that’s through notes, emails, or quick conversations. Open, clear, and timely communication helps everyone stay on the same page.
2. Consistency
   Children thrive when home and school send a united message. Support your child’s learning with routines for reading, homework, and healthy habits. Work with your child’s teacher to ensure consistent expectations and strategies are in place. Speak positively and respectfully about your child’s teacher when discussing them at home, as they are a positive influence in your child’s life and your opinion is paramount to a healthy and happy student and teacher rapport. This helps your child feel secure and supported in both environments.
3. Collaboration
   Respectful collaboration means planning and problem-solving together. Share your goals for your child and listen to their teacher’s expectations. If challenges arise, focus on finding solutions together rather than placing blame. When children see their parents and teachers working as a team, they understand that everyone is committed to helping them succeed.

 A Shared Goal

At the heart of the parent–teacher relationship is a shared goal: supporting your child to thrive. By showing respect, keeping communication open, and working together, you are giving your child the strongest possible foundation for learning, growth, and wellbeing.

regards

Ken & Jayne