I hear it all of the time from working parents about how difficult it is to take off from work to check on their children at school and their statement is valid. If your off from work then you’re tired. But, if you have to pick just one event to meet your child’s teacher, go to the open house or back-to-school night at the beginning of the year which is usually held after work hours. Showing up to this event shows that you are a caring parent and it is a time where you can meet everyone at once. Your child will be proud to show you off to his or her teachers.

If you can’t make it to most meetings don’t worry, there are many other ways to stay on top of your children, their school work, and in communication with the teacher and administrators other than physically showing up at the school.

• FaceTime or Skype – Most teachers have a computer in their classroom. Ask them about staying in contact with you and set a time like Fridays after school to give you a call to update you about your child’s progress.
• Email – Use a service like Boomerang on Gmail or Outlook to create a template letter to send to your child’s teacher once a week to check on their progress. You can even schedule it ahead of time to automatically send out each week.
• School software – Many schools are high-tech now and provide software like Schoology, Moodle, Google Classroom, Skyward, etc., to keep up with your child’s homework or grades. All you have to do is to log-in and you can see an overview of your child’s progress.

• Speed-dial – Have your child’s school number in your contacts and have listed all of your child’s teacher’s extensions available too.
• Live streaming – Most schools have a Facebook page. If your child’s school is having an event ask them to live stream it on their Facebook page. It doesn’t cost them anything and it brings traffic and more followers to their social media. That way you can play it at your convenience and you’ll have it as a memory forever. If the school won’t or can’t do it, ask another parent to record it for you and then to send you the link.

There is always a way. Don’t be that parent that only replies to a teacher when their child is in trouble. Keep in contact and don’t wait until report cards are due. You have to stay on top of things at a minimum of every two weeks. Ask for suggestions, tutors, and extra credit work. Talk about behaviors in the classroom and the completion of homework, upcoming projects, weighted grades, and test dates. Remember this quote, “Behind the child who makes the most progress, is an involved parent.”

[paypal-donation]