How's It Going?

Sometimes the most important question can be the hardest to answer. As our children attend school, parent-teacher communication usually occurs during conferences, twice a school year. So we find ourselves throughout the school year wondering from time-to-time how things are going.

There are warning signs you can observe that might answer this infamous question for us parents. A call, e-mail, or visit to your child’s teacher always gives you an idea of how things are going, but sometimes before you even meet with the teacher you can figure out if there are problems and if extra help is necessary.

The Warning Signs

• Avoiding school work (at school or home) and off task (at school). Both these issues can cause havoc on grades.
• Acting out at school. Behavior that is out-of-character is a good indicator that issues are brewing.
• Making statements such as: their teacher is mean, no one likes me, or they have no friends. Also, negative statements in general about their school are a red flag for parents.
• May not want to attend school and may use the “I’m sick” excuse.
• Lack of conversations about school day.
• School work not coming home, especially corrected papers from teacher.
• Being easily frustrated. This is easily recognizable when your child normally has a happy-go-lucky attitude.

The next step to solving your concerns is finding a tutor. Sometimes kids just need a little extra help one-on-one in addition to their academic day. Every child is different so it is important that you find what works best for your child and budget, as tutoring can be extremely expensive.

There are several tutoring companies in our area that offer programs. Many times you have to sign contracts and may have strict payment requirements. Finding an individual that you know is qualified and trust may be a better option for your child.

Looking for private tutoring can be a little more difficult. Ask your child’s teacher if educators in your neighborhood tutor. Within the Omaha Metro area different school districts may offer tutoring programs for their students. Also, after-school children agencies may offer tutoring programs.

Again, ask your child’s teacher or administrator what programs are offered within the school facility, school district, or neighborhood. Your child’s school will be able to best answer your questions.

Parenting is the hardest job we will ever do, but the most rewarding. You know your child best so watch for those red flags and out-of-character behavior. Always go with your gut feeling. You will usually be right!

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