How to Deal With School Authorities

Your child’s school is not outside the scope of your parenting. You need to share the responsibility of their growth along with the school. Cooperation is better than relegation

You think that getting your child admitted to the best school possible is where your responsibilities end. The school can take care of the rest. Your duty ends here and you need only to show your face once or twice a year.

However, it’s not this simple. As parents you will invariably land up meeting the school authorities more often than you think. In any case, a steady communication between the school and parents fosters a beneficial bond whereby you can monitor your child’s progress and get unbiased feedback.

The following are some ways that will help you to deal with the school authorities:

• Follow the Regulations – You must be aware of the rules and regulations when you deal with the school establishment. You must know the rules and regulations of your child’s school in order to deal with the establishment. This information can easily be obtained from the school prospectus or your child’s class diary. School circulars, notices, and e-mails will also keep you updated on the changes in rules and regulations or on forthcoming events.

In case you have any issues and have to approach the school authorities in this regard, follow the prescribed procedure. This will help both you and the school administration from getting into unnecessary discussions and will save time.

• Be Polite – Be polite when dealing with the school staff. No matter what problem you want to discuss with the school authorities be polite with them. Exude a feeling of warmth and friendliness when you deal with school personnel.

• Telephonic Medium – Telephone is a good medium to keep in touch with the school. Ring them up! It saves both time and energies. Put your queries to the receptionist or the school front desk for clarifying doubts. The conversation you have should be to the point.

If you are seeking an appointment, call before you show up at the front desk. It is always a better idea.

• Control Your Temper – Keep a check on your temper when dealing with the school authorities. Maintain your cool when dealing with school authorities. Wait if you have been asked to. The school authorities have to manage countless other tasks and activities simultaneously and might not be able to give you undivided immediate attention.

There might be situations where you disagree with the point of view of the school. Whatever be the reason, deal with a calm and cool manner without creating a ruckus.
 
• Network with teachers – Be in touch with your child’s teachers. Actively participate in the academic and extracurricular activities of your child in school. Attend PTMs, school festivals, and sports meet. A good way to monitor the progress of your child during the school years is to befriend their teachers. There is nothing wrong in occasionally socialising with your child’s teachers. Wish them during festivals and other occasions. Also, take out time to meet them if you get the chance to do so other than the PTMs. Never hesitate to appreciate the efforts of the teaching staff and other personnel. All of them have a unique role to play in the overall development of your child.

• School Establishment Reciprocates – School authorities reciprocate positively to parents who take a keen interest. The school staff takes note of the academic and extracurricular achievements of your child. They also take into account the positive efforts put in by parents who follow the path of active parenting. The school authorities go the extra mile to help you out whenever you approach them for any issue.

Last but not the least, consider yourself a part of your child’s school. This will help you deal with them in a friendly manner. According to Poonam Verma, the curriculum-in-charge of a reputed school, “Parents wish to put their children in schools that lay emphasis on activities. However, when we ask them to prepare their children for these activities the response is cold.” Avoid the attitude of throwing responsibilities of your child on the shoulders of the school authority. Be a partner to your child’s school rather than considering them as a necessary evil.