It’s pretty common for middle schoolers to complain about teachers at the beginning of the school year. That’s one way they let parents know how much effort they’re putting into school.

Give your child and teachers a little time to get used to each other. But if the complaining continues:

• Ask questions to help your child clarify the problem. Sometimes children misinterpret why teachers do something.

• Talk to your child about how she might resolve the problem herself. Can she talk to the teacher? Can she get extra help?

If this doesn’t help, set up a meeting with the teacher. Find out what the teacher thinks. Discuss possible solutions.

Whatever you do, don’t belittle the teacher in front of your child. Even children who complain loudly have mixed feelings about their teachers. When they hear their teachers being put down, they feel humiliated as well.

Copyright © Parent Institute