HEALTHY BOUNDARIES BETWEEN PARENTS, TEACHERS

RUBY CATALINA P. MERCADO

Healthy boundaries are necessary when it comes to dealing with our students’ parents. We must make sure that when we talk to them, we avoid unnecessary conflict. Remember, they are also affected by negative dispositions, adversities, and behaviors, which may or may not affect their relationships with teachers.

We understand that they are also trying to survive; they are merely defending themselves from anything that may feel threatening.

We may sometimes feel that we are being bullied by a parent, but that’s just because at times, emotions run high when it comes to discussing their children’s performance in school. Let’s avoid firing off harsh words from our end, lest we be misunderstood. This will lead us away from a solution, rather than towards it.

Some of us are also parents, and we also experience what they experience at home with their kids. Our children’s anxiety most often than not affects us also, and we also feel hopeless. Students need a connection with their teacher, as much as they need to feel close to their parents. They feel the need to be heard and appreciated.

Before interacting with parents, let’s also control our own emotional state. It would do well to incorporate procedures and safe boundaries when we communicate with parents, much like we do the same for our students.

From the get-go, we must find out what the parents need, what we can do to help, and what we can do to make a situation better. What is important is that we build positive relationships with parents.

At the start of the school year, let’s share with them what we have noticed about their children, especially their strengths. This is one way to build bridges.

Ask them how they can work with us to help make the year a positive and exciting experience for their child and what they need from us that would be helpful for ever yone.

Let’s put in the effort to foster a positive relationship with our students’families, as this will have a powerful impact on our work as educators.

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The author is Teacher II at Jose Escaler Memorial School, San Juan Apalit, Pampanga