COOPERATION IS KEY TO BETTER EDUCATION

LEVITA C. MANALUS

This is a reality: some parents tolerate the misbehavior of their children, and this is saddening on the teacher’s part in educating students.

This is a disappointing fact, but one that we face every day. Parents must cooperate with the teachers to better educate the students.

The struggle, indeed, is real.

Aside from the paperwork, we are also required to deal with parents. Sadly, some parents are rude to teachers. This defeats our role of teaching. While we have to engage with parents, it gets difficult if they are uncooperative.

It becomes a problem when parents tolerate their child’s misbehavior; if they don’t care about their child’s performance in school; if they don’t cooperate with the school’s activities and advocacies.

Some parents have high expectations of their child that they can’t accept their child’s limitations. They do not understand that their cooperation is needed to achieve their child’s success. They can become better teachers of their child, too.

Something must be done to raise awareness on this issue. It may be difficult, but educators should voice out this sentiment, which happens all around the world. Situations like dealing with ranting parents cause the teachers much stress, making them lose their passion in their chosen field.

Remember, parents also have a part in the child’s education. In fact, they are a key instrument to ensure their child’s success. After school, they should ask their child about school matters. It is very important for the parents to ask their child about what goes around the school. This will make the child feel that they are being cared for, and keep them motivated.

As parents, they should take time to know about the school’s activities and advocacy. This is your obligation, so you can monitor your child’s activities.

As much as they can, parents should attend parent-teacher conferences or meetings. They have to make sure to allot time to visit the school.

They should also teach their children to respect their teachers, as much as the teachers respect them. The way your child treats his teacher says a lot about what kind of parent you are.

How can you expect your child to practice discipline and respect at school if you won’t teach it at home?

The children should know that misbehavior has consequences. Your child will never practice discipline if parents don’t address and point out their misbehavior. Every unacceptable conduct has an equivalent value. They should be held accountable for their own actions.

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The author is Teacher III at Cacutud Elementary School