When it comes to the child’s education, parents and educators have a common goal: to provide the child with the necessary tools in order for them to reach their full potential. But to achieve this goal, the parents and tutors must first recognize each other as a team. When parents and tutors form a healthy partnership, not only do they gain trust in each other, but they also become a more efficient, more sensitive support system for the child.
A strong and positive parent-tutor relationship reaps various rewards that will benefit the child—which is why it is necessary to build it early on. When parents and tutors work in collaboration, they provide the child with an optimal environment for learning.
Through this opportunity, the child’s needs are addressed and their strengths are further amplified. Their social and emotional skills are equally honed alongside their academics. And most of all, the child develops a good attitude toward learning—an attitude led by inspiration and fulfillment—that will ultimately push them towards success.
Related article: The Parent-Tutor Collaboration: How a Healthy Partnership Benefits Your Child’s Learning
How to Build a Healthy Parent-Tutor Relationship
In order to build a healthy parent-tutor relationship, the sincere effort and commitment should come from both sides. As parents and guardians, consider these tips on how to strengthen your partnership with the tutor of your child.
1. Keep your communication lines open.
It’s important that parents are approachable and open to talking about their child’s learning journey. As parents, it would be beneficial to attend meetings with your child’s tutor to discuss the highs and lows of their education. This way, you can receive feedback on your child’s performance and better understand what areas you can help with.
Technology today allows for parents and teachers to converse through the use of online correspondence like emails and Facebook Messenger, as well as video call applications like Zoom or Google Meet. Make sure to use these tools to aid you, especially if you usually have busy schedules and can’t meet the teacher in person.
2. Explain your goals for your child.
Communicating common goals with your child’s tutor helps both of you to recognize that you’re on the same page, thus, giving you comfort and ease. But more than that, discussing goals will also help you and your tutor identify the action points you two must take to achieve that.
At the beginning of each school year or tutoring sessions, express your expectations and the results you wish to see from your child. By doing so, the tutor can plan their teaching methods to better suit your child’s needs. Make sure that the action points are followed and be available for when you should offer your assistance.
3. Share the child’s academic history.
You may also choose to provide the tutor with your child’s academic history. Notes from previous teachers, report cards, and learning recommendations can give the tutor much-needed context to understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. Be involved.
Simple things like checking your child’s homework, being up to date with the school’s events, and attending seminars can have a big impact on your child’s progress. Your child will appreciate the attention and care that you give to them. More than that, being involved is a manifestation that you value the efforts of the learning institution and that you are willing to do your part for your child.
5. Help your child practice healthy studying habits.
The tutor can only do so much in helping with your child’s learning. It is still up to you, as a parent, to make sure that growth continues outside the class hours. In order to reinforce good studying habits, it’s best to help your child build a routine. Set a specific time in a quiet place where they can focus on the task at hand.
Additionally, you may look for resources apart from school work that will further sharpen your child’s knowledge of their subjects. Try looking for fun, educational videos on YouTube to supplement their lessons. Offer enjoyable workbooks that can motivate them to perform additional studies. Even asking them to talk about what they learned will help them articulate keynotes discussed in class.
6. Share the little wins.
Let the tutor know the milestones in the child’s education. Is the child getting better grades? Did they gain better confidence in a certain subject? Are they finally moving up or graduating?
By sharing your child’s achievements with their tutor, you are letting them know that they play an essential role in their success. But more importantly, it’s a chance for both of you to assess if your teaching methods are effective.
7. Empower each other.
Little things such as polite greetings and heartfelt thank you’s go a long way. By showing your appreciation for your tutor, you build a more amiable and respectful relationship between the two of you.
Teamwork Makes the Child’s Dream Work
In the face of the new normal, children need their parents and their educators to work together. Parents must go beyond what is expected of them. Instead of being mere observers, they must be immersed in the child’s educational journey by continuously reaching out to teachers, actively participating in areas where they can lend their expertise, and providing hands-on guidance to their children.
Similarly, teachers must harbor compassion to both the child and their parents. It is essential that they too show openness and willingness to receive feedback, criticisms, and concerns. In addition to that, teachers must also provide the family opportunities where they can participate in the child’s learning.
Through this parent-teacher partnership, the child’s learning becomes seamless and is fostered both at home and in school. With the teamwork of parents and tutors, children are able to develop their academic proficiency, but most importantly, other aspects in their identity are being tended to as well. Their mental well-being, social behaviors, and their emotional skills are nurtured, paving a way for holistic growth.
About the Author
Ingrid Valenzuela is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a degree in BA Creative Writing. She works for Booky as a content producer, writing about the best eats in the metro and where to get them. In her spare time, she's still writing, but this time, about fictional worlds and stories from her restless imagination.
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