School can be tough, and kids often moan about how their teacher is unfair and that they don’t like them. Fortunately for most, this is more down to the fact that they don’t like school, rather than a particular person. However, for a number of children who struggle to get on with their teacher, school can end up being an unhappy place.
If your son or daughter is having difficulties, these five strategies might help to resolve any issues.
Don’t agree or disagree with their opinion
If your child argues that their teacher is unfair and picks on them, don’t agree with them but certainly don’t disagree. Holding a neutral stance until you know all the facts will ensure you don’t take sides – either the school or your child’s - until you know what exactly is going on.
Find out what they don’t like about them
Talk to your youngster and try to ascertain why they are clashing with their teacher. Reasons can range from feeling they got a bad mark in an exam to believing they are being picked on for no reason. Once you establish what the issue is the sooner you can fix it.
Don't immediately jump in
While it is important you listen to your son or daughter, don’t immediately jump to try to fix it. If it is a new teacher they might just need a little time to settle in and get used to them, especially if the teacher they had the year before was a particular favourite. Hopefully your child will eventually be able to work out any issues during this transition without needing you to help.
Talk to the teacher
If the problem is still going on after a couple of weeks, it is time to approach the teacher. Talk to them about your child’s concerns and your own worries and see if you can resolve it between the two of you. It might just be a clash of personalities that can be easily sorted.
Go to the principal
If you really can’t see any improvement in your child’s attitude towards their teacher, go to the principal. This should be a last resort rather than a first port of call as it might cause even more unrest in the classroom. Talking to the principal is making a clear sign to the teacher and your child that you plan to resolve the problem once and for all.
