As a parent or an educator, there aren't too many things more distressing than hearing a child say, "I don't want to go to school. My teacher is so mean!" We don't want to see our children in pain, especially when it's caused by someone we need to trust for their emotional and mental well-being on a daily basis. So, what can you say or do when your child comes home from school and complains about their teacher?
Most teachers aren't mean
The most important thing to remember is the vast majority of teachers are caring, dedicated, and well trained. Each has his or her own style, and kids need to learn how to adapt. Just as kids benefit from teachers who are very warm and patient, they also can learn from some who are more business-like and demanding. Kids can even gain valuable life lessons from a
caring teacher who is a bit cranky and cantankerous.
If your child is having trouble adjusting to his or her teacher, here are some easy-to-learn Love and Logic tips to effectively deal with the situation:
Tip 1: Listen and empathize if your child complains about a
teacher
When a child says something like, "My teacher is mean. I hate
her," what they needs most is a loving ear, not lectures,
threats, or someone to "fix" the problem.
Wise parents respond by asking, "You really don't like her? That must be tough. If any kid is smart enough to find a way to get along with her, it would be you." Be sure to let the child know how much you love them, and be willing to listen to any concerns.
Tip 2: Resist the urge to talk badly about your child's
teacher or school
Regardless of how much we might disagree with our child's
teacher or school, it is imperative to send our kids the
following message: "Teachers are to be respected and listened
to. You may not always agree with what they say or do, but it
is never acceptable for you to be disrespectful or
disobedient."
Parents who make the mistake of saying negative comments about teachers in front of their children are setting their kids up for academic failure. When parents encourage children to learn how to positively deal with difficult teachers and stressful situations, their kids learn how to overcome challenges and solve their own problems. In other words, we rob our kids of an important learning opportunity if we allow them to blame teachers for their problems.
Tip 3: Help your child understand that having a tough
teacher is a good thing
Smart parents ask their kids, "Why is it good that you have a
tough teacher this year?" When their children shrug their
shoulders and answer, "I don't know," these parents respond by
saying, "You're going to have a chance to learn that you can be
successful with even the most difficult people. That's one of
the most useful skills in life!"
Tip 4: Remember: By teaching children to get along with a
demanding teacher, we also are teaching them how to succeed
with a demanding boss.
Research has shown employees get along with even the most
demanding bosses when they:
- Get to work just a bit early every day
- Show up with a smile and a positive attitude
- Listen and follow directions
- Work a bit harder than expected
- Get along well with other employees and customers
Kids who learn these skills at home and at school succeed with the most difficult teachers, get better grades, and eventually rise to the top of their chosen occupation.
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