Although I'm not a teacher I know how time consuming writing reports can be, and how much effort it takes to communicate relevant and helpful information.
As a parent how much notice do you take of your child's reports? Do you read them? Are they useful? Do you reward your child if they get certain results? Or express disappointment if their results aren't wonderful? Personally I'm happy if effort and engagement are rated high. Having children at three different schools means different report styles. At one of the schools my child's self-ratings across a number of different learning behaviours is presented alongside his teacher's. This provides a useful tool for self-reflection. Other reports are very sparse. Regardless of the style of the report you may find the following useful to keep in mind when reading your child's school reports.
Positive Young Minds combines research and the experience of working with 1000s of children, adolescents and parents for over 17 years to help your child experience school success, including guidance on setting up a school success schedule. You can book a private consultation to talk about your concerns, and I can help you work through a plan to address the tricky bits of your child's educational journey. Together creating calm, connection, and confidence. Kim Ross Child Psychologist, Fierce Self-Care Advocate and Founder of Positive Young Minds It is the time of the term for parent-teacher-student interviews. I go to these, never quite knowing what to expect. The good One of my most lovely memories of a parent teacher student interview was when one of my children’s teachers asked to see us so he could tell me how wonderful my child was. He glowed when he spoke of my child and acknowledged their ability and passion. . Unfortunately, a year or so later that teacher died suddenly and his replacement proceeded to do nothing but tell me all the failings of my child in this subject. The bad I have found myself face to face with a teacher who has told me how badly my child has gone, yet they did not request an interview. I have had one teacher stand out as being the only negative voice about both my children, over a couple of years and in different subjects. We stopped booking in with them. The ugly Teacher's being oblivious to the negative impact their words and actions have had on my child, to the point where in one interview my child walked out and the teacher kept on talking to me as if nothing had happened. So why go...
My Top Tips for Making the Most of Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
Your child will spend about 13 years in the education system (not including pre school). Positive Young Minds combines research and the experience of working with 1000s of children, adolescents and parents for over 17 years to help your child experience school success, including guidance on setting up a school success schedule. You can book a private consultation to talk about your concerns, and I can help you work through a plan to address the tricky bits of your child's educational journey. Together creating calm, connection, and confidence. Kim Ross Child Psychologist, Fierce Self-Care Advocate and Founder of Positive Young Minds There are so many ways for our children to show their bravery. Bravery is not being fearless. Bravery is experiencing fear and moving through it. This morning one of my children has gone on a school camp, for a week, interstate, on a plane, for the first time... They are 11. I was at school this morning at 6am, with over 60 other children and their parents. Some of the children were pumped, one hopped onto the bus without a sideway glance at their parents. Some of them were accompanied to the bus by their parents, and some of them made do with a quick last minute cuddle before leaving the hall. Some of them were unconcerned leading up to the day, and some have had significant anxiety. Before the event my child went on an emotional roller coaster. One day it was, "I don't want to go.' The next day it was 'I cant wait to go'. They had questions, how fast does the plane fly? What if I crash? What does it feel like when the plane takes off? What if no-one wants to watch what I want on TV? Who will be in my group? Who am I going to sit next to on the plane? What do I do when I miss you? As a parent I listened, I helped him look up answers, I told about about the Australian safety record and that the pilot wanted to get home safely and would make sure they didn't crash. I did not have all the answers, and the school did not provide all the answers either. In these cases I could reassure him that even if things didn't turn out how he wanted them, it would be OK, he would manage. I stood by while he rode his roller coaster. It was my job not to hop on that roller coaster with him, but to reassure him that he would be OK whilst on the ride. Seven ways you can encourage your child to be brave.
There is no question that school camps can provoke anxiety, to varying degrees in children. It also provides a wonderful experience for them to grow, develop resilience and create wonderful memories. If you are still concerned about your child and how they will cope, seeing a mental health professional, at least for a session or two is a worthwhile investment. Positive Young Minds combines research and the experience of working with 1000s of children, adolescents and parents for over 17 years to help your child experience school success. You can Book an appointment for either you and/or your child for help in working through their camp anxiety. Together creating calm, connection, and confidence. Kim Ross Child Psychologist, Fierce Self-Care Advocate and Founder of Positive Young Minds |
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Disclaimer* These articles are provided by Kim Ross, Psychologist for general information and education . They are not designed to be used for therapy.. If you are experiencing stress please contact your GP or mental health professional.
AuthorKim Ross is an Online Psychologist and Founder of Positive Young Minds and Private Practice Sustainability. Archives
October 2023
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