When my kid started Junior kindergarten last year, it took me weeks (OK, months) to send in a family photo for his teacher to hang in his cubby. For some reason, I just couldn?t get it together to print off a picture from my smartphone. Turns out I?m one of those moms: the friendly type who wants her child?s teacher to like her, but who actually makes the job difficult by neglecting to meet a simple request.
Read more: School lunches: Fun printable meal planner>
I?m not alone either: There are hordes of parents out there who inadvertently annoy their children?s teachers. Some are borderline neurotic, obsessing over which type of glue stick will get their little one into Harvard, while others are a bit too lax, sending their kid to school in flip-flops on gym day. While we all have the best of intentions, here are five ways to avoid aggravating your child?s teacher and get off on the right foot this school year. 1. Save the socializing
We all want to connect with our child?s teacher, but guess what" She doesn?t need a new BFF. Don?t take it personally?you are indeed warm and fabulous?but she has a job to do and that job is to teach your kid. Even just a friendly, ?How was your weekend"? first thing Monday morning can throw off the entire day?s schedule.
?When parents socialize with me during drop-off, it?s transition time and one of the most difficult periods of the day?often I?ll have 15 kids waiting for my attention,? says Jennifer Sullivan,* a teacher at a ...