September 2024 - a month I will never forget.
My parenting journey is taking me into schools and it all started with a teacher at my children’s Gaelscoil who came into my life 4 years ago.
At first I was terrified.
It was one of these dreaded phone calls no parent wants to receive:
“We need to speak about your child not listening in class”.
In the lead up to the conversation over the phone with a woman I had never met, I tried to calm my nerves by going for a walk just before.
Only 5 minutes into it I found myself needing to turn back because I felt like I was going to throw up.
My projections and worries were resolved within minutes when her friendly voice helped me with the parent-teacher-student triangle I assumed was all my fault.
Two years later, I had come to learn how much energy this same caring female educator invests into creating classroom routines in September, that my heart opened even further.
Feeling so inspired by her dedication for her profession, I decided to embark on becoming a Positive Discipline Classroom Educator and completed the training last year.
After working with many parents whose children struggle in a classroom environment and meeting deeply compassionate teachers like her, a need was identified which together we are able to find solutions for.
Sometimes it is not easy to see the other’s point of view.
When it comes to our children and trusting others to take care, a lot of emotions can get stirred.
Over the Summer, together with my Positive Discipline mentors, we considered a series of experiential activities that not only work in the classroom or at home, they also bridge the relationship between teachers and parents.
Brian Barron’s Portlaw National School, Co. Waterford allowed me to pilot my first 2 sessions in September.
The feedback from teachers was very positive and encouraged me to keep going.
Standing in a room in front of teachers felt petrifying in the lead up to the first event.
I honestly did not know if I would survive.
What I learned about this group of schoolteachers was a privilege and a gift I wish I could fill every parent’s cup with who needs to hear this.
In a moment of calm when all the pressure and stresses of this world are stripped away, we realise that all have the same goal and want the child with us to thrive, to grow and simply enjoy each others' company.
Judgements, fears and the need to be right simply fall away and we agree on more than we disagree.
When it comes down to it, we all learn from each other and openness as well as curiosity become game-changers in any community.
I would love to hear from you.
What have you found to be effective for Teacher-Parent-Connections?
Email me by clicking here: effortlessparenting@gmail.com
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