Speak Up! A Parent's Guide to Advocating for Your Child in School

As parents we are always concerned about our kid's education. It can be challenging to navigate the school system, especially when it comes to advocating for your child.

Don't worry, you aren't alone! Here you'll find practical tips on how to be the best advocate for your child. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's get started!

Having a good relationship with your child's school staff is key to effectively advocating for him or her. So, don't be afraid to say "hi" to your child's teacher and attend those parent-teacher conferences.

Keep in touch with school staff regularly - don't be afraid to shoot them an email or schedule a phone call if you can't meet in person.

If you're a working parent with a tight schedule, finding time to participate in school events and activities can be a challenge. So, why not consider attending virtual meetings or events? It's an ideal way to show your support and get involved even if you can't physically be there.

How to Talk to My Child’s Teacher

There are lots of ways you can speak up for your child, but when you have a particular concern whether it be grades, bullying or something else, it is important to approach the conversation in the right way.

The first thing you should do is request a time to meet with the teacher. It’s not a good idea to send emails or other electronic communication about problems. This is because the tone and context can be misinterpreted.

The most positive way to speak to the teacher is to organise a time to talk, and let them know what it is about, so they can be prepared.