Page 56 - Education February 2022 final_Neat

YOUR

CHILDREN

NEED YOU

t’s 10am. Do you know where your children are? Very likely they’re at school where, as
teachers captivate them with stories, math challenges, scientific discoveries and such,
Ithey sit wide-eyed and attentive or else absorbed in well-ordered activities. They’re
interested and excited about learning. Their teachers give them individual attention,
answer their questions, hear their stories and help them solve their problems. Your
children’s behaviour is impeccable, their accomplishments outstanding. They learn and
grow, develop and mature. They become responsible and contributing citizens.
Sounds good, but do you have any idea about what really happens during your child’s
school day? Yes, you check book bags, help with homework, sign report cards and
attend parent-teacher conferences, but what do you know about the day-to-day of
school - the expectations and demands of, and for, your child, the opportunities and
disappointments, the fears and triumphs?
School is where lifelong friendships are established. It’s where the intellectual fires
of desire and ambition are lit. It’s where self-awareness and self-confidence are
developed and nurtured. In every school, there are opportunities for your sons
and daughters to establish meaningful relationships, pursue talents and discover
new interests. From music to sports to art, from history to science to literature,
from workshops to kitchens to computer labs, schools strive to provide students
opportunities that meet their needs and abilities.
Your children lead a secret life. In those magical hours when they are attending school,
they each become their own person, thinkers and doers, influenced not only by what
you have demonstrated in your home, but also by the many people with whom they
interact on a daily basis.
For many students, it’s a wonderful experience. They spend time with people who
share similar values, attitudes, and interests, and engage enthusiastically in school life.
They have positive and supportive relationships with peers. They are also organized
and busy, maintaining a balance between study and extracurricular activities at school
and in the community. Their families are interested in and encourage their efforts; they
themselves are happy and successful.
For many other students, unfortunately, school is nothing more than an escape - an
escape from the reality of their lives where family issues, money problems, personality
conflicts, insecure living arrangements and other stresses keep them from achieving.
Sadly-and frustratingly-instead of these students taking comfort in the routine and
security of school, instead of becoming involved and absorbed in school life, these
children more often retreat and rebel. They disengage from learning by simply refusing
to participate. They socialize inappropriately, commanding attention from teachers and
peers with delinquent behaviours masked as bravado. Often, they become outcasts
who resort to bullying as a pretense of power and control. If their families show any
interest in them at all, it is to either make excuses for them or to absolve themselves of
responsibility for their behaviours, attitudes and lack of accomplishment.
With such realities, it’s a wonder schools have any success stories. Fortunately, the
perseverance of ambitious students, hardworking teachers and caring supporters
keeps most schools functioning successfully.
Every day you send your sons and daughters off to school where you trust that,
under the protection and direction of their teachers, they are being molded into
knowledgeable, capable and responsible citizens. Teachers are trying to do exactly
that, but they cannot do it alone, and - nor should they be expected to. Your children
need you. Get involved with your school. Know where your children are and help make
it -and them -the best they can be.