Appreciate your child’s teacher

Our children’s teachers are among the most important adults in their lives. They show up every day to guide, support, educate, and care for the next generation - including your child. And yet, in the rush of busy mornings, inbox notifications, and endless term calendars, it can be easy to forget that they’re people too, with limits, families, and feelings.

When parents actively show respect and appreciation for their child’s teacher, it sets the tone for a powerful, positive partnership. Here’s how we can all do better - for the sake of our children and those who teach them.

1. Speak kindly of the teacher in front of your child

What your child hears you say about their teacher deeply shapes how they feel about learning. If you speak respectfully and positively, your child is more likely to be open, trusting, and eager to learn from that teacher. If you criticise or belittle them - even in subtle ways - your child may start tuning out or becoming resistant. Let them see that you value the person who’s guiding them every day.

2. Respect their time

Teachers don’t clock off mentally when the bell rings, but they do have boundaries - and they deserve them.

• Avoid sending emails after hours. Schedule them to arrive in the morning instead. Respecting their personal time shows that you value their wellbeing.

• Keep drop-off and pick-up brief. A quick hello or friendly chat is great, but if you need to talk about concerns, progress, or anything detailed, it’s best to email and arrange a time. Teachers often have after-school meetings or family duties, and it’s hard to help effectively when caught off-guard.

• Don’t start conversations right at bell time. That’s when they’re focusing on welcoming and settling the class - not the time for questions.

3. Be specific in what you ask

Asking “How’s she going?” seems harmless, but it’s incredibly broad. Instead, ask something more focused, like:

• “Is she managing group work ok this term?”

• “I’ve noticed he’s been avoiding reading at home - is he doing ok with reading in class?" 

Clear questions lead to clearer answers - and show that you’ve thought about what’s important to your child’s learning.

4. Express gratitude and positivity

When you see your teacher doing something helpful - say so! For example, if they send a regular class newsletter or email, reply with a quick thank you. “We love reading these and really appreciate the time you put in” can mean a lot. Positive feedback is powerful, and it fuels teachers to keep giving their best.

Better yet, spread that positivity among other parents too. It helps shape a supportive class community, not one filled with complaints or gossip.

5. Offer to help where you can

Teachers are often doing the jobs of three people at once. Many love a helping hand, even if it’s small.

Ask if there are jobs you could take off their plate - like cutting out resources, returning readers, or end-of-term cleanup. You could even gather a group of parents to divide up a to-do list. It’s a great way to give back - and it models kindness and community to your children.

6. Remember: you’re on the same team

It’s easy to fall into ‘us vs them’ thinking when school gets stressful. But in truth, you and your child’s teacher want the same thing: the best for your child. When you approach teachers in warm, respectful, and solution-focused ways, they’re far more likely to be flexible, responsive, and collaborative.

7. Handle concerns the right way

Not everything your child says about school will be the full picture - just like teachers don’t take every story from home at face value. If something feels off, contact the teacher directly. Don’t vent in WhatsApp chats or let frustration simmer. A respectful conversation can clear things up quickly and build trust.

Teachers pave the way for every child they work with. They’re not just delivering content - they’re helping shape your child’s confidence, curiosity, and character. Let’s treat them like the professionals they are. A little appreciation goes a long way - and your child will benefit from it more than you realise.