The educational dynamic is not limited to just children and teachers. Parents are an important part of the triangle. The irony is that the parents who turn up for parent-teacher interviews and play an active part in their child's education, sporting and social lives, are the ones who don't really need to. If my boys ever had a problem or concern I just phoned the teacher up. Mostly had to wait for a time to call an individual teacher back but they always did. They got to know me as well as my sons and there were no surprises come report card time. I don't mean to rant, but two 4 wds, a 4 bedroom home plus a media room and a pool require 2 parents working full time. If you haven't got a very involved grandparent contributing to their grandkids education, it's easy for things, usually your kids, to fall through the cracks. Teachers can only and should only do so much. Paying private school fees shouldn't give parents a free pass either. When it's all said and done, parents should move heaven and earth to provide the best education they can for their kids. If that means a slightly older and smaller house, a smaller car and a few less trips to Bali, so be it.
If I could give any advice to parents it would be to read to your kids from day 1. Nursery rhymes and songs as well, they love repetition, even if you are a lousy singer. One of my son's favourite songs what should you do with a drunken soldier... Instill in them a love of reading and they will spread their wings and fly through school. Read to them before they go to sleep and this will also teach them to concentrate and be still. Go to the local library with them once a week and let them choose books to read. It's not rocket science but it works. Turn the phone off, put the ipad down and talk to your kids. Teachers can only do so much and parents are a big part of our kids education. Picastoc, my grammar is terrible and I do apologise but I think my spelling is OK
