As teachers of children and youth we need to think about parent-teacher relationships.
Questions about Parent-Teacher Relationships
Why is building relationships with parents important?
Obviously children and youth Bible teachers’ main responsibility is teaching, discipling, and relating with those they teach. Yet, God has given the primary responsibility for nurturing children to parents (Deut. 6:5-9; Eph. 6:1-4). Consequently, we come along side of parents, to assist or supplement what they’re to be doing, not the other way around. Through a relationship with the parents, we can learn of a child’s needs, learning issues, and behavioral problems. We can then be better prepared to reach and teach each child according to their bent. Sometimes problems in the home, losses, and the like can affect behavior and learning in the classroom. Teachers who keep open channels of communication with parents will tend to learn more about what’s happening in the home and hence have a better idea of how to minister to their students. Check out this resource: Without a Good Parent-Teacher Relationship Worksheet
The Bible Teacher’s Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions also responds to the question, What if parents aren’t fulfilling their responsibility to spiritually nurture their children?. — This resource answers a total of 153 questions covering 49 different issues related to Bible teaching.
More Help: Parent-Teacher Relationships Teacher Training Resources