With back to school season in full swing, the focus of parents is usually on getting all the school supplies on the school list.
How do you make sure that your biracial child has a successful school year? And how do you make that happen if they are one of the few minorities in their school?
Here are a few tips to ease your mind about sending your child to school this year:
Help your biracial child with their racial identity
When the back to school season begins, you will feel like you are buying a house or leasing a car. Papers will be sent home almost daily for the first week, and if you make it to open house, teachers will be asking you to fill out papers there too.
On most forms, there will be a section dedicated to race. Some forms have the multiracial designation, while others ask you to check all that apply. This is your opportunity to choose how your biracial child will identify.
Advocate for diverse events in the school
Does your child’s school celebrate Black History Month? Hispanic Heritage Month? Do they have a multicultural festival?
If not, join PTO (parent/teacher organization) and advocate for more diversity in your child’s school. The more involved you are, the more what you have to say matters and hold weight for change.
Maintain open communication with the teachers
I cannot express the importance of communication with your child’s teachers enough.
Sometimes for teachers out of sight means out of mind. If the parent is not present, then the teacher doesn’t always think about communicating with you
Remember, communication doesn’t mean that you have to be present in the school all the time.
Thank to technology, you can stay informed about what going on in your child’s class through means like email, Remind 101, or other systems that your local school system uses to communicate with parents.
Help your biracial child by having open communication with his/her teacher. Don’t let a busy life be an excuse.
Volunteer
Volunteering can be challenging–especially when you work full-time. I work in a school, and it is still difficult for me to get away and volunteer at my girls’ school.
What I love about volunteering is the opportunity to see my kids in their element. I want them to remember that mom took the time to be with them. Even though I can’t attend every field trip, musical, etc, I think they will remember the times that I could be there.
Don’t waste time feeling guilty. Remember, for kids it’s all about the quality vs quantity.
Helping your children have a successful school year doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you work outside of the home. Keeping a positive attitude and open communication with the teachers is the best way to ensure that your childs school experience will be pleasant for you & your child.
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