On the first day of school, as your child checks out her classmates, you should do the same with the other parents. Smile and make an effort to introduce yourself. Networking with other parents is one of the most important ways you can help ensure
On the first day of school, as your child checks out her classmates, you should do the same with the other parents. Smile and make an effort to introduce yourself. Networking with other parents is one of the most important ways you can help ensure your child's success in school.
What does it mean to form a parent network? It's neither as awkward as trying to become friends with virtual strangers nor as easy as getting a list of names and phone numbers to post on your refrigerator door.
Rather, forming a network means that you decide to come together as a group of people with many diverse skills, talents, and interests who are united by a common interest — improving your children's education. It also means that you find ways to stay in touch and work toward bringing about change.
What are the benefits of creating a parent network?
- You can use the network as a support group. Raising children is often stressful and isolating; knowing that you can vent and share your feelings with other people who are facing the same issues can be very comforting and affirming.
- You can compare notes with other parents. Suppose your child starts complaining that her teacher doesn't explain assignments well; to get a valuable reality check, you can call up other families and find out if their children are experiencing the same problem.
- You can create a powerful advocacy group to lobby for policy changes. School administrators can put off a single parent requesting that a teacher be removed from the classroom or that class size be reduced, but they would be ill advised to ignore a well-organized group of parents who have taken the time to articulate their requests.
- Your children will feel better about school. Research has shown that children do best when they know that the important adults 