Wearing multiple hats is a defining aspect of the roles that wives and mothers undertake. From protector and creator to chef and chauffeur, the responsibilities are vast and vital in shaping future generations. However, finding the right balance in these roles often becomes a delicate dance, especially when navigating the realms of education, parenting, and the evolving role of teachers in students' lives. In this blog post, we'll explore practical, solution-oriented strategies to foster a harmonious and thriving family environment.

Why Balance Matters

Balancing the roles of parenthood and education is crucial for creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. Here are some key points to consider:

Evolving Parenting Roles

Parenting has actually gotten a bad reputation with parents being told they are "helicoptering, lawn mowing, authoritative, gentle, permissive, intentional," and many more. The fact is that for every individual, there are different parenting methods, and one method doesn't necessarily work for one sibling when it does for another. This can leave massive confusion on the subject and make one susceptible to misinformation. Did you know a survey showed that 65% of mothers get their advice from Instagram? Two of the top praised Parenting Influencers have broken families. They both have been praised by one of the world's top influencers who doesn't even have a family and has never had children.

Navigating Teacher Authority

Teachers today hold significant authority over students' lives, and their influence often extends into the household. Not all teachers are bad; in fact, many choose this career because they are passionate about the future and truly love to teach. However, the system is broken. The tools provided for teachers to help students who are having difficulties, which often result in classroom disruptions, require labels, IEP programs, and psych evaluations. A teacher's influence can impact the parent-child relationship, with or without the intention to do so. Being aware of this can help prevent a teacher from mislabeling a child. Always stay in your child's corner. The diagnosis of children has increased 40% internationally since the pandemic. When it's built into the system for teachers, you have to take a step back and wonder if there is a better way. I know I have.

Empowering Parents to Trust Their Instincts

As parents, you know your children better than anyone else. It's important to trust your gut and make decisions that align with your child's unique needs. The classroom can present many challenges, but you have the insight to determine what truly benefits your child. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to advocate for your child. Remember, you are your child's best advocate, and your intuition is a powerful tool in guiding their growth and development. As the executive over your family, it's crucial to remember that a teacher ultimately works for the family. They are servicing you, your family, and your goals as a mother and your child's goals. Take a step back, assess the situation, and trust yourself to make the right call for your child's well-being.

My Personal Story

I remember a time when my son was very young. I was called in because he was biting and hitting. I discussed with the director that my son had never done that. I'll never forget the look I was given. I swear it was like a prison guard telling me that no one is guilty. Rather than standing up for what I knew about my son, I totally introverted and thought I must be doing something wrong as a parent. I tried to change so much at home, except, as I said, he never had these problems at home. Eventually, we changed preschools. At the new school, I went over the problems with the director. She smiled widely and told me not to worry a bit and gave me a hug. My son made friends, had the best of days, and NEVER bit another child.

Now just in case this comes off as me being some perfect parent, trust me, that I am not. So after he was doing his best and loving his school, his brother was still in the other school. For convenience reasons, I made the mistake of putting my son back in the other school "because he was better now." Well, guess what, the problems started all over again! This time, my son was upset with me! I lived with the regret for so long because his spot was taken the moment I pulled him out. Looking back, I can tell you, there was NOTHING wrong with my son. I don't know if it was the school, the teacher, or the director being the problem, what I do know is that it wasn't the right fit. I wish I had a mentor at the time who helped me with my own self-confidence and could guide me to just keep him where he was. Even with that mistake, this did not carry on with his life. It was a passing moment. Labeling a child is unfair to the child; they will believe it if you say it is true.

Practical Tips

Embrace a Holistic Approach

Address challenges beyond the surface and look into potential underlying causes.

Always find out when your child was last doing well. This can be with school in general, but usually you want to find out when they liked a subject. You can switch the question to "Is there a time you didn't hate ______?" or use "Do you remember when you really liked school?" Always ask this to a well-rested and well-fed child. An angry child will always tell you that they always hated it or never did well. 

Encourage open communication among students, parents, and teachers to create a supportive environment.

Create Clear Communication Channels

Establish regular check-ins with teachers to discuss your child's progress and any concerns.

Advocate for having a dedicated staff member to interview students facing difficulties and tailor solutions.

Empowering Parents to Trust Their Instincts

Trust your gut feelings about what is best for your child.

Don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for your child’s needs.

Remember, you know your child better than anyone else, and your intuition is crucial in making the right decisions. 

As the executive over your family, it's crucial to remember that a teacher ultimately works for the family. They are servicing you, your family, and your goals as a mother and your child's goals.

Reinforce Support Networks: 

Encourage dialogue among teachers, students, and parents to identify problems early and nurture a culture of understanding. 

Use family meetings to discuss and align on expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page. 

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more balanced and supportive environment for your children. This approach not only helps in addressing academic and behavioral challenges but also fosters a nurturing atmosphere where your children can thrive.

Thank you for being dedicated to your family's success. Remember, finding balance in parenting and education is a continuous journey that requires open communication, understanding, and collaboration. Share your own stories or tips with us – we'd love to hear from you!

If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with other parents who might benefit. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for our children.