By Leigh Mesco
For Coastal Parent

Many parents have a difficult time turning their child over to a new teacher each year. How can you trust this stranger to appreciate your child? As a parent, how do you work with this person and find a comfortable place for your child?

Do not be shy about your child - you are your child's advocate. Talk to the people your child is exposed to. If something does not seem right, then look into it.


Trust your instincts as a parent

Be involved with your child. Ask them questions every day. Be specific: a general, "How was your day?" will usually get a response of "Fine." That does not tell you what you need to know. Ask about the books they are reading, how a test went, or whom they had lunch with. You will learn much more from your child.

If you do not have the opportunity to be around, leave notes for your child, call them when you are away, or make sure the person caring for your child is involved.

Parents need to remember that teachers have gone into the field of teaching because they feel strongly about education and truly like working with children. Most of the men and women that pursue teaching as a career choice are doing it because they love children.


Take the opportunity to talk to your child's teacher

Let them know your thoughts and fears. Have you had a bad experience with other caregivers or teachers? Are you just plain lonesome for your child? Let the teachers in your life know about your reactions to the situation.

Look at the relationship with your child's teacher as a partnership. You both have the same goal in mind - helping your child become their best.


Keep in touch with your child's teacher

Check your child's backpack everyday for notes and school papers. Look at the notes and papers and respond.

If something does not seem right, call or send a note to your child's teacher. Always instruct your child to tell their teacher if they have correspondence from you - teachers do not go through book bags routinely (unless they suspect a problem).


Volunteer in your child's school

If you cannot be there during the day offer to do something from home. Help organize special events, make phone calls, cut out materials - any of these things will help you connect and have a better sense of what is going on while your child is away from you.

Remember, your goal is to help your child grow up to be the best person he or she can be. Being an interactive parent will help your child attain that goal.


Leigh Mesco is a pro-active mother of four daughters, three of whom attend public schools in Savannah, and one who is a freshman at Clemson University. She is a second grade teacher at Charles Ellis Elementary School and holds a master's degree in education.