I have spent my fair share of time volunteering in classrooms.  I have seen and heard a lot of behind the scene “deets” that many parents may not know.  I have even had a few teachers open up to me and gripe about some things that just drive them crazy.  Is this just schoolhouse water cooler banter?  Probably a little bit.  But there are also some very insightful thoughts that might not even occur to even the most well meaning parents without seeing things from a teachers perspective.  So in an effort to help out all of those hard working teachers and to help prevent you from becoming “that parent”, I am going to spill the beans.  Because when teacher is happy, the classroom is a happier and more productive place to be.  Here are 3 things your child’s teacher would like to drill into your head.

I Tell You Things For A Reason

Teachers send home notes, homework and warnings for a reason.  Read them, know the info and act on it.  Notes let you know what is going on in the classroom.  Don’t let your kid be the only one wearing plain janes on crazy sock day.   Homework helps your child learn the material they need to know.  Even if the work seems silly to you, the teacher knows learning techniques that you might not.  Trust them, this is their job.  Warnings let you know when your child is not up to par in the learning or behavioral department.  These are things that need to be addressed on a parental level.  So if you receive a warning, put some extra homework time or some extra disciplinarian efforts. 

Be Considerate of the Other Kids 

Yes your child is precious, but so are the other 20 that she has in her class.  Please try to conceal your smug disapproval when the other kids have behavioral problems.  You know your kid has them from time to time too.  And some kids don’t have the great home life that yours does.  Also, if your kid is sick then keep them home until you are sure that they are not contagious.  Yeah, it might suck to keep them home all week or to have to find a sitter short notice.  But it sucks just as bad for the rest of the parents that have to do it when they catch the virus from your son or daughter.

Dress Your Child Appropriately

Clean, comfortable clothes are key in the elementary years.  No plastic high heels, no mini skirts sans leggings, no complicated belts or buttons, no attire that costs too much to replace.  C’mon you know what your kids do on a day to day basis.  You don’t want your daughter to break an ankle running to be first in line and you don’t want her flashing her business when everyone is sitting cross-legged during story time.  Taking 20+ kids to the bathroom is hard enough.  Throw in a few iron clad belts and its downright miserable.  Fancy clothes are dandy, but when your daughter spills paint on her lap or your son rips holes in his knees at recess don’t complain to me that you only got one wear out of a $50 pair of jeans.  This is not high tea.  And last but definitely not least, make sure your kids and their clothes are clean.  Don’t subject your child to the humiliation of being the smelly kid in class.