What Every Teacher Learns from Their Students and Three Lessons Parents Should Take Note Of

As an educator with over a decade and a half of teaching experience, I have learned a great deal from my students. While my job is to impart knowledge and teach course content, I often find that I am the one who learns the most valuable lessons. In this article, I will share the top three lessons that I have learned from my students, which I believe all parents should take note of.

Lesson 1: Listen

In today’s fast-paced world, we are often distracted by various stimuli that take our attention away from our children. We receive texts from co-workers, deal with family issues, answer emails, and have work to take home, leaving us with little time to truly listen to our kids. However, our children are begging to be heard. They want to tell us their stories, even if they seem silly or outlandish.

As an educator, I have witnessed first-hand the power of listening to students. They need to feel heard and valued. It boosts their self-esteem and helps them learn how to interact with others. In a world where communication is primarily electronic, nothing beats real-world connections of the heart.

Lesson 2: Accept Them for Who They Are

Children go through various phases and stages as they try to figure out who they are and where they fit in. Parents often judge their children too quickly, not realizing that they are transforming into something wonderful. What children need is support and encouragement from those who truly matter, their parents.

As an educator, I treat all my students the same, regardless of what stage in life they are in. Parents should do the same. They should encourage their children and support them on their journey of self-discovery. Taking a step back and being a supportive parent can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem and well-being.

Lesson 3: Be There

Life can be chaotic, with work, school, activities, and other responsibilities vying for our attention. However, children need us to focus on them when we are with them. We need to put down our phones, ignore texts and emails, and call people back later. Children need an adult to be there for them, to hug them, help them with schoolwork, work through peer problems, and just talk.

As a parent myself, I understand how fleeting time is with our children. Even if all you have is a few moments in the car going from one activity to another, turn off the radio and talk to your child. Talk about their day, important issues, and things you want to pass on to them. We are never promised tomorrow, so cherish each moment with your child.

Conclusion

As both an educator and a parent, I understand the challenges of raising children. However, by taking these three lessons into account, we can create stronger relationships with our children and help them become confident, caring, and successful individuals. Listening, accepting, and being present can have a profound impact on a child’s life. So, let us take note of what every teacher learns from their students and make an effort to be the best parents we can be. After all, parenting is the toughest but most rewarding job in the world.