The Unofficial Academic Jury: When Parents Know Best

In my long years in the teaching profession, I have witnessed a clear shift in how new-generation parents perceive the school system.

Broadly, we seem to fall into a few patterns:

1. The Entitled Parent

We sometimes begin to believe that paying school fees gives us the authority to dictate how a school should function.

2. The 'We Know Better' Parent

No one understands a child like their parent. But sometimes, we may unintentionally undervalue the training, experience, and professional expertise that teachers bring into the classroom.

3. The 'Snowplough' Parent

In our desire to protect children from discomfort, disappointment, or failure, we may step in too quickly removing challenges that were actually meant to build resilience, responsibility, and independence.

4. The Helicopter Parent

We track every assignment, question every method, and remain constantly involved, sometimes blurring the line between supporting our child and taking over their learning journey.

5. The Partner Parent - a hopeful contrast

This parent recognises that education works best as a collaboration. They stay involved without interfering, raise concerns without undermining, and work with teachers rather than against them.

A reminder:

We cannot clap our hands loudly with just one hand. We need both.

Perhaps one knows the child deeply.

The other understands the classroom professionally.

Neither can do the job alone.

Parents and teachers are  two hands working together to shape the same child.

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