As a parent, there have been times when I have underestimated them. Interestingly, as a teacher, there have been more times that I overestimated them. I guess I mean, as parents we think our children can't handle things, especially emotionally; but as teachers, it's easy to forget that students are struggling. This has become clearer to me as my child has come closer to the age of students I teach. Do you know what I mean?
Absolutely! I tell teachers ALL THE TIME in trainings that I know they are not going to enable a child because they simply don't have the time. In group environments, like school, we find out what children are capable of independently. At home, we as parents can be triggered by our kids' emotional dysregulation so we swoop in (maybe too soon) to help so we keep the peace or get out the door on time. I always suggest parents ask teachers what their children are capable of at school, because that means they are ABLE to do it in one setting so let's expand that to other settings!
As a parent, there have been times when I have underestimated them. Interestingly, as a teacher, there have been more times that I overestimated them. I guess I mean, as parents we think our children can't handle things, especially emotionally; but as teachers, it's easy to forget that students are struggling. This has become clearer to me as my child has come closer to the age of students I teach. Do you know what I mean?
Absolutely! I tell teachers ALL THE TIME in trainings that I know they are not going to enable a child because they simply don't have the time. In group environments, like school, we find out what children are capable of independently. At home, we as parents can be triggered by our kids' emotional dysregulation so we swoop in (maybe too soon) to help so we keep the peace or get out the door on time. I always suggest parents ask teachers what their children are capable of at school, because that means they are ABLE to do it in one setting so let's expand that to other settings!