I am often asked by parents how to help their child. Parents are often not sure how to help their children when they are struggling in school. Multiple parents feel like they do not have a voice and that they are not heard. So I have prepared a few suggestions listed below to help you advocate for your child within the school system.
- The most important piece is communication. To have an open continual communication with their teacher/teachers and if needed administration and counselors. Without communication nothing can move forward. There are multiple means for communication emails, the school apps that are now being used, phone calls and my personal favorite in-person. A lot is lost in translation when we have emails and phone calls.
- Stepping in when needed. I think it is important to allow your child to advocate for themselves , however once they have and are not being heard parents need to step up and speak out on behalf of their child. Make sure that is done respectfully and that you have all of the facts. It is important to make sure that you have accurate information when approaching the school system and not just your interpretation of the situation. Facts provide objective data that can not be disputed.
- Make sure that you go through the proper chain of command. Start with the teacher first and if the situation is not able to be resolved then escalate the situation to the next in command. Make sure that everything from every encounter is documented in writing.
Most importantly is remembering that advocating for your child simply means making sure that they have everything that they need to succeed. It does not mean doing everything for them. They still need to be active participants and included. Your voice DOES matter and it is a parents responsibility to advocate.