Teachers are head of the class for helping kids
Relationship breakdowns and divorce are particularly hard for children to deal with and often they’ll need someone other than their parents to help them through it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how wonderful our teachers are! A caring, understanding teacher can be key to helping a child cope with their parents’ separation.
Children’s social and emotional wellbeing and learning can be affected for years to come if their parents split. For adults dealing with their own emotions, it can be tough for them to adequately support their children.
This is where a great teacher can help.
For parents, it’s important that they communicate with their child’s school and let them know what’s going on at home.
This could be a quick chat with the teacher at drop off, or a meeting with the school principal, welfare officer, or counsellor.
Teachers are in an ideal position to provide support to their students and the separating family when needed. They can:
- Have conversations with children, ask if they are OK, be a good listener, let children talk, and provide reassurance
- Arrange one-on-one time with a teacher aide to provide emotional support or help settle the student into the day
- Be available for children and parents to speak with
- Create a safe, friendly environment where children feel free and secure to talk
- Communicate with parents about how their child is going emotionally, socially and academically at school
- Refer children to the student welfare co-ordinator when necessary for additional support
- Be consistent with school routines, rules and expectations
- Make sure the child is included in supportive friendship groups, both in the classroom and playground
- Have flexible expectations around the child’s school work
- Encourage children to make good decisions and to manage their own behaviour
Studies have shown children feel secure when their daycare, kindergarten and school environment is friendly, structured and predictable. Most teachers believe that when children feel safe and secure, they can learn.
If you’re looking for advice on separation, divorce, or any other issue relating to family law, contact Michael Lynch Family Law today on: (07) 3221 4300 or email [email protected] Our family law experts are here to help you through this time.
