Parenting isn’t easy. Parents must care for the day-to-day physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual needs of their family. Church Bible classes aren’t a substitute for their responsibility of spiritual nurturing (Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4). As teachers of their children’s classes, we can, however, partner with parents to become part of the network impacting their children’s lives.
The Kind of Partnership Bible Teachers Can Offer Parents
While we too may have busy lives with our own families, jobs, and other responsibilities, investing into the parents of the children and youth we teach is a worthwhile use of our time. As suggested in the Without a Good Parent-Teacher Relationship Worksheet, a good parent-teacher relationship makes a big difference in potential impact in the classroom. Otherwise, we deal with many unknowns.
The following acrostic suggests ways we can partner with parents. The extent to which we extend ourselves may depend on our own time constraints and other factors. The more we do, however, the greater the impact for lessons to be reinforced in the home.
P – Prayer
Pray for and with them.
A – Availability
Display an openness to talk with parents about their concerns and issues in the home affecting students in your class.
R – Relationship
Make personal connections, letting parents know you care.
E – Engagement
This could, at times, mean getting parents involved in the classroom. It could also include providing parents with supplemental take-home materials and communication about the lesson so they can reinforce the truths throughout the week.
N – Neutrality
When parents express conflict in the home, or perhaps even with someone in the church, avoid taking sides.
T – Transparency
Be upfront with parents about your approach to teaching, discipline, safety measures, etc.
S – Support
Extend a listening ear, guidance, or practical assistance if needed, in a come alongside of way, not in a pushy, self-asserting manner.
(Please note: This acrostic is not included in the Without a Good Parent-Teacher Relationship Worksheet mentioned above.)