(From the forthcoming book: From the Principal’s Desk – A Journey of Lessons)
Dr Arun Prakash
In today’s interconnected world, children face immense pressures from academics, peer influences, and family expectations, often resulting in stress and anxiety. To effectively support their growth, schools and parents need to collaborate closely. It’s no longer enough to handle issues in isolation—problems faced by children span home, school, and personal spaces. Only through aligning the efforts of parents, teachers, and schools can we truly support a child’s holistic growth.
I remember a powerful example of the impact a teacher can have on a student. There was a boy, now a highly respected educational administrator, who struggled academically throughout his childhood. Despite his parents’ efforts to improve his performance by hiring multiple tutors, he continued to fail. However, a teacher, who did not even teach his class, took a personal interest in him. Instead of focusing solely on academics, the teacher spent time understanding his passions and strengths. The teacher built a relationship of trust and understanding, and slowly, the child began to change his approach towards learning. Eventually, he dramatically improved in his academics and became confident and motivated, leading to his great success later in life. The involvement of both the teacher and the parents made this transformation possible. Teachers can guide and support, while parents provide reinforcement at home. Together, they ensure the child receives consistent encouragement and direction.
Teachers play a key role in helping students excel through regular feedback, providing constructive updates to parents about their child’s progress and challenges. Open communication is key—teachers must encourage parents to share insights into their child’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses. There was this one instance where a class teacher, instead of sticking to traditional methods, invited the grandparents of students to school to share stories from their past. The students were learning about history, and these storytelling sessions brought those chapters alive. Parents were very happy with this approach, and it turned into an interactive session where history was no longer just dates and names but part of their lives.
Personalised learning plans, involving close collaboration with parents, ensure individual needs are met. I recall a teacher who brought a pet turtle to class as a project to teach responsibility. Initially, the children took turns caring for it, but when they forgot to feed it properly, the turtle fell sick. Instead of scolding, the teacher turned it into a lesson in accountability. She involved parents, who also helped reinforce the importance of responsibility at home. This became a meaningful exercise in collaboration, teaching children consistency in caring for others, which carried over to their own lives.
Teachers can also invite parents to participate in classroom activities or volunteer in school events. I have witnessed how a neglected school garden turned into a thriving community space because of the involvement of a parent, Ravi, who was passionate about gardening. Ravi approached the school, suggesting they turn a patch of land into a garden. With the support of teachers and other parents, it soon became a vibrant space where students learned about science and nature, while also learning the value of teamwork. The collaboration turned the garden into a source of pride and a practical learning environment.
Workshops and seminars for parents on educational strategies and support at home can further strengthen partnerships. Early identification of learning or behavioural issues allows teachers and parents to address problems before they escalate. One example that comes to mind is of a teacher named Priya, who worked in a rural area. She noticed that many children were missing school frequently. Instead of ignoring the problem, she visited each student’s home, talking to their parents about the importance of education. Gradually, parents began sending their children regularly, trusting the teacher’s intention to bring a positive change. Priya’s visits helped bridge the gap between the school and home, showing how personal attention from teachers can make a significant difference.
Positive reinforcement of good behaviour is another important strategy that should be synchronised between home and school, ensuring consistency. Teachers can guide parents on improving social skills by encouraging participation in group activities. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, can help children manage school-related stress. Setting realistic goals with the collaboration of parents and students fosters a growth mindset focused on effort rather than just results.
Extracurricular involvement is also crucial. Teachers can help parents identify activities that align with their child’s interests, fostering creativity. I recall how a teacher helped her class write and illustrate a book. Each student contributed stories, poems, or drawings, and parents assisted in editing. Eventually, they published the book as a keepsake for everyone involved. It was a great success, showcasing each child’s creativity and strengthening the bond between parents and the school. The pride and sense of accomplishment the children felt made them more engaged learners.
Another time, I saw how a principal made a significant impact by writing letters to each student and parent at the start of the year. She highlighted her belief in each child’s potential, creating a personal connection right from the start. This helped in developing trust between parents, students, and the school, fostering an environment of care and collaboration. When parents feel valued and teachers show belief in every child, it sets the stage for positive engagement and mutual respect.
One more story that illustrates the importance of teacher-parent collaboration is about Ajay, a student whose performance suddenly declined. One of his classmates’ parents noticed that Ajay worked late hours at his family shop. This parent discreetly brought it to the school’s notice, and the school responded by launching a support program for families in need. This collective effort ensured Ajay could focus on his studies again without undue stress. It was not a big initiative, but it was enough to get Ajay back on track. This story shows that even small steps, when supported by both school and community, can have a huge impact.
For parents, creating a supportive home environment is the first step in enhancing a child’s education. Parents should provide a quiet, organised study space and ensure their children have access to the necessary learning resources. A consistent routine that balances study time with play and relaxation helps manage stress effectively. Parents should focus on positive reinforcement, praising their child’s effort rather than just the result. I remember Rahul, a bright student who started losing interest in school. His parents approached the teachers, sharing that Rahul had developed a deep interest in programming. The teachers worked with the parents to integrate programming into Rahul’s lessons. At home, his mother structured his routine to balance schoolwork and programming. Over time, Rahul not only regained interest in academics but also excelled and won a regional science fair. This was a perfect example of proactive parental involvement and teacher support leading to a child’s success.
Staying in regular contact with teachers is important for understanding how best to support the child. Fostering a growth mindset helps children realise that their abilities can improve with effort. Encouraging extracurricular activities helps children explore interests and develop important social skills. Parents should also support social interactions by discussing empathy and respect, helping children build healthy relationships.
Volunteering at school events makes parents more involved, and modelling responsible behaviour at home teaches children how to use digital tools effectively. Parents can also participate in school decisions, further strengthening their involvement. Teaching children financial literacy is also an important part of overall development, and parents can work with teachers to create learning plans that suit their child’s needs. Encouraging curiosity by discussing new ideas and guiding them during study sessions without hovering shows support without pressure.
There was also a time when a student named Leena began cleaning up litter at school during breaks. She did it quietly, without any instruction. Over time, her actions inspired others, and soon the school started a “Clean School Club” with Leena as its ambassador. This movement even drew parents to get involved in clean-up events, showing how a student’s initiative, supported by the school and parents, can create a positive cultural shift.
When parents and teachers work together, they create a supportive environment that benefits the child academically, socially, and emotionally. This collaboration is not about one side taking control but about both sides aligning their efforts towards the child’s well-being. Building a strong school-parent partnership enhances not just academic growth but also emotional resilience and social skills. Education is a journey, and when parents, teachers, and children walk together, they create an environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Picture Credits: The Music Lesson John George Brown, American, born in England, 1870
Next: Effective communication with teachers and administrators.
