http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog/2005/10/22/parents-and-school-counselors-the-common-ground/ Tips and Tools for Successfully Parenting your Teen Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:07:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog/2005/10/22/parents-and-school-counselors-the-common-ground/#comment-19 Gabrielle Sat, 19 May 2007 21:54:19 +0000 http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog/2005/10/22/parents-and-school-counselors-the-common-ground/#comment-19 So, what is the best way to build this partnership. Should I set up a meeting with my soon to be 9th grade daughter, her counselor and myself? So, what is the best way to build this partnership. Should I set up a meeting with my soon to be 9th grade daughter, her counselor and myself?

]]> http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog/2005/10/22/parents-and-school-counselors-the-common-ground/#comment-28 Sue Blaney Tue, 22 May 2007 17:22:34 +0000 http://pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/blog/2005/10/22/parents-and-school-counselors-the-common-ground/#comment-28 The best way begins by first tapping into the opportunities the school provides. So, I only suggest you contact the school counselor if there are particular issues about your child that are significant and need discussion at the beginning of the school year. Otherwise, let things take their natural course for the first month or two. When the school has the fall "Back to School" night, be sure you attend. Try to shake the hand of every teacher and find out how and under what conditions they want to be contacted. This way you are prepared should it be necessary to be in touch with the teachers. Usually these events also offer the opportunity to meet and greet the counselor. S/he will be very busy, so expect only to have a brief moment. If issues have arisen that need addressing you'll want to agree to make an appointment after that. A smart parent keeps his ears to the ground, reads everything that comes home, stays on all mailing lists (PTO, counseling department, etc.) and attends everything. You'll also want to ask your teen regularly about classes, what she is learning, what kind of assignments she has, etc. This way you'll not have to deal with too many surprises. A one-on-one appointment with the counselor is appropriate if you sense a problem or need an answer. You don't want to over-do this, though, because you don't want to dis-empower your teen or be disrespectful of the counselor's [very busy] schedule. Don't mis-read that...counselors are a WONDERFUL resource for parents and you should find a way to develop a personal relationship with your child's counselor... over time. I hope this helps! The best way begins by first tapping into the opportunities the school provides. So, I only suggest you contact the school counselor if there are particular issues about your child that are significant and need discussion at the beginning of the school year. Otherwise, let things take their natural course for the first month or two. When the school has the fall “Back to School” night, be sure you attend. Try to shake the hand of every teacher and find out how and under what conditions they want to be contacted. This way you are prepared should it be necessary to be in touch with the teachers. Usually these events also offer the opportunity to meet and greet the counselor. S/he will be very busy, so expect only to have a brief moment. If issues have arisen that need addressing you’ll want to agree to make an appointment after that. A smart parent keeps his ears to the ground, reads everything that comes home, stays on all mailing lists (PTO, counseling department, etc.) and attends everything. You’ll also want to ask your teen regularly about classes, what she is learning, what kind of assignments she has, etc. This way you’ll not have to deal with too many surprises. A one-on-one appointment with the counselor is appropriate if you sense a problem or need an answer. You don’t want to over-do this, though, because you don’t want to dis-empower your teen or be disrespectful of the counselor’s [very busy] schedule. Don’t mis-read that…counselors are a WONDERFUL resource for parents and you should find a way to develop a personal relationship with your child’s counselor… over time. I hope this helps!

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