After all, some children misunderstand their teachers intentions or get confused by their teacher s message. Then the parent can communicate directly with the relevant adults and make sure of what the facts of the situation are. There are several reasons why I think it is important not to engage in criticism of schools and teachers in front of the children. First, when parents criticize teachers in front of their young children, they do not solve the problem that invoked the criticism. Second, some children feel torn between their teacher and parents on these occasions.
Most young children like and even admire their teachers.
Hearing them spoken of harshly can be disturbing to some children. Third, the criticism may empower children to become defiant. And that does not solve the problem at hand, either. Teachers have told me almost incredible stories of the way some children speak to them. This kind of disrespect will not improve our schools or the teachers, nor will it enhance the children s learning.