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Why is it important to support parents?
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Parents need to be a part of their child’s life and knowing what they accomplish at school is a great way to incorporate them into their child’s academic life.
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As Christians, we understand that God designed the family intentionally and purposefully “as a place to raise children.” Parents are the most important people in a child’s life. It is important that we recognize the value God has placed on parents and work as partners with them. After all, we are the ones spending a large part of the day with their children, so we want to build trust with them and be sure to let them know we have their best interest at heart. I want parents to know we are on the same team and always keep them informed of their child’s progress. Children are a gift from God and a blessing to parents. Although, at times, parenting isn’t always easy, we need to be able to lovingly offer suggestions if need be, and also find ways to involve them in their child’s education. The bible says to train up children in the way they should go. We are reaching (hopefully) for the same goal and want to build a solid support system with parents in raising up this next generation, ultimately for God’s glory.
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We do not know the situation of each family and home. There are many factors families have to navigate in raising children: social, economic, academic, social media, are just a few. Families need the support of the school. They need to know that we are a team working together for their children. As we support parents, families and students, we are fulfilling our calling to serve Christ through our profession. As teachers we need to recognize that we are professional with special training and skills. We can support parents by sharing ways with them to support their child’s learning.
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It is important to support parents for a couple of reasons. First, God has called parents to play a very invested role in their child(s) life. Knowing this teachers can help equip parents to help their children with homework or help create spaces in the house where their child can be successful. Secondly, having open, honest, and gracious conversations with parents allows them to know where their child is at socially, academically, and spiritually. This opens the circle of influence in the child’s life and allows the teacher to be a supportive partner with the parent. All of this reinforces the parents role they have been called to play in their child’s life.
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Parents are the main educator in a child’s life. It is God’s will that parents raise their children to know, love, and serve Him. It is our role as educators to come alongside parents and support their efforts. In a case where the parents are not raising their children in the way they should go or are not believers, it is still important that they feel we are aiding in the growth of their child and not judging them. If parents feel they are in a place of judgement it will eventually put tension on the child because their parents don’t like the teacher and the teacher doesn’t like the parents. This is not beneficial to anybody.