As a parent, of course, you probably know well the personality of your children. From their weaknesses to their strength down to the things they are capable of and not. If you choose to be the better advocates for students, your children would be more courageous knowing they have someone who got their back. Let's take a walk on our tips for parents to become effective and better advocates for students.
Tips parents may find helpful to become effective advocates for students
Understand what it means to advocate
As a parent, when you think that you know your child well, it will give you the confidence to believe that being their voice comes very quickly. Being an advocate will become simply speaking up for your concerns and questions for your child's sake. Because as a parent, you know what they need.
In being better advocates for students, you must express yourself to what best suits you and how the recipient understands you better. Better advocates don't need to be noisy or need to speak in front of a large audience. Being a voice depends on how well you can relay your concerns. You can lobby peacefully or with a single or few people, such as your child's instructor or co-parent.
Know the people you are dealing with
To become better advocates for students, one of the tips is to connect with educators and administrators. As a parent and advocate, it is essential that you regularly communicate with your child's instructor, so you will know what's going on with your child's studies. Be a volunteer inside the classroom and assist with school activities if necessary just to be updated.
Be educated
Be educated, especially in learning how school meetings, for example, are being handled. Schools often keep records of their arrangement on the school webpage, visit it and study the person you will deal with. Then, be knowledgeable about the school's meeting activities, especially with the public meetings, so that you can become active and aware.
Be prepared; make sure to make your speech or script ready in advance.
It will help if you are prepared before the event. Make sure to make a list of things you want to remember and the most important things you need to voice out. Sometimes nervousness can take away all that's in your mind, so a small note goes a long way. Those advocates with a lot of public speaking experience also need an outline to keep them on track while they're in the spotlight.
Never feel ashamed to speak up for your child.
You might be hesitant to participate in your child's education, but when your child has their concern, they can't voice out, then be the voice for them. It might even seem going too far for you, but it is never overstepping in speaking for rights.
It is always acceptable and never impolite to express yourself or the concern of others. Teachers want their students to succeed too. Teachers will recognize that families have a wealth of knowledge to share that can be of assistance.
