‘Magulo Daw Ang Anak Ko Sa Klase,’ Parents React To Teacher’s Feedback

Every year, bright-eyed preschoolers start their first year of school, sporting clean and pressed uniforms and carrying brand new backpacks filled with their bento baon. They are often dropped off by teary eyed mothers who woke up early just to kiss them off. Parents sacrifice a lot just to send their beloved kids to school, dreaming of seeing them thrive. So, when a child struggles, it’s only natural for a parent to share disheartened.

In the 100,000-strong Smart Parenting Village, parents find solace and insights when they share their concerns and worries over their children. Recently, one mother sparked a wave of support and advice from other parents who had faced similar situations when she shared her concerns about her preschooler’s challenges in school.

The teacher’s concerns

The mother expressed her heartache after being told by her child’s teacher that her 5-year-old was not participating in class, she wrote:

“I feel disheartened. Kinder ang anak ko at hindi ako nahirapan iwan siya sa class. Pero first day pa lang, kinausap na ako ng teacher niya na hindi daw siya nagpa-participate, umiikot ikot lang sa classroom, at kinakalat ang mga gamit sa table. Sinuggest ni teacher na ipa-check daw sa pedia. I understand naman the teacher kasi parang nagiging distraction siya sa class. Five years old na siya pero hindi pa siya masyado nakikipag-usap. Sumasagot siya ng yes or no, pero he’s improving naman considering na he only started talking at around four years old. English-speaking din siya so my language barrier and mahirap maintindihan kapag nagsalita. We plan to have him checked by a developmental pedia. But my mommy heart is hurting and I feel guilty. Kung pwede lang mag-resign, i-pull out siya sa school and tutukan ko at mag-homeschool. Pero hindi pa namin kaya financially.”

Support from other parents

The mother’s post garnered an outpouring of empathy and support from other parents in the community. And for other parents who might be going through similar concerns with their preschooler, here are a few insights to consider:

Parents should not blame themselves

One important insight several parents shared was the importance of not blaming oneself. Llesur Trinidad said: “Don’t blame yourself. Cheer up. Gawin mo nalang ang dapat at magiging okay din ang lahat.”

Children develop at different paces

Another common sentiment a number of parents expressed is that children develop at their own pace, which sometimes might not fit the mold of a traditional classroom setup. Gleinee Chan shared, “My youngest son bilang din ang maiintindihan na words. Pero I wait for him to show na ready na siya before I teach him again. Pray ang tiwala lang sa kids natin.” Also emphasizing the importance of patience and awareness of our child’s capabilities.

Academics is just one indicator

Angelica Mijares mentioned her son’s similar struggles, highlighting that while he may not be as conversant as other kids, she noticed that he has shown proficiency in other areas. “Kumbaga sa life skills maaasahan siya, maliban na lang sa communication skills niya,” she shared.

It’s important to seek professional help

Preschool teacher Patricia de Guzman suggested, “If you have the means, please look for a developmental pediatrician na and have him listed.” Many parents echoed this advice, sharing that it’s better to consult a professional to better understand a child’s needs.

Reconsider the school setup

Cicely Cicely highlighted the importance of finding the right school setup and environment for the child, suggesting that progressive schools might offer a more supportive and understanding setting for children who do not thrive in traditional classroom setups. She wrote, “I would suggest to look for a school that might be more appropriate for your child.”

Find your child’s learning style

Baquiran Rhea Mae emphasized the importance of learning about children’s learning style. She shared, “Don’t forget na may kanya-kanyang learning style ang mga bata. Madaldal ang anak ko, ikot nang ikot, at hindi pinapansin o nakikinig sa teacher. Sinabihan din ako ng teacher na baka may ADHD siya. Hindi ko siya matutukan and honestly, wala din ako patience sa pagtuturo. Kaya pinilit ko na makuhanan siya ng tutor. So far, naging okay naman siya sa ngayon.”

Consider alternative education

Several parents also advocated for homeschooling as a viable option, particularly for children who might not thrive in a traditional school setting. Roxy Thegreat mentioned, “Ang kagandahan sa homeschooling, walang pressure sa bata. 30 minutes to one hour per day is enough na since ang preschooler, maikli talaga ang attention span.” The flexibility homeschooling offers can cater to a child’s individual needs while alleviating some of the stress associated with traditional schools or mainstream education.

Be patient and communicate with educators

Patience, ongoing communication with a child’s educators, and staying involved in their learning process are also key in ensuring that our child is supported well throughout his academic years. 

Everything we do for our kids is out of love and care

Other parents addressed the parental guilt the mother is obviously feeling in her post when she mentioned wanting to resign from her job to focus more on her child. One mother, ???? ????? , shared her experience of deciding to leave her job to support her child: “Virtual hug, mommy. Malaking desisyon para sa akin nang iniwan ko ang aking trabaho para maantabayanan ko ang baby po. Mahirap sa part ko dahil marami akong sinacrifice dahil nagbibigay din ako ng allowance sa mga magulag ko pero kailangan din ako ng anak ko. Salamat kay God at nakakaraos naman kami. Naassess na din ang anak ko at bumalik na siya sa kinder, na hindi niya natapos noon dahil naiinip siya at hindi maka-focus. May therapy na di siya ngayon at masasabi ko na malaki ng improvement niya. Laban lang, mommy!”

Children are unique

At the end of the day, parents should remember that children are unique individuals who develop and learn at their own pace, and as such, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Hence, taking the time to understand our child can make a significant difference in their growth and comfort level.

Ultimately, the post and the succeeding comments serve as a powerful reminder that raising a child does not have a template; each parent and child has their own path to forge. And while parenting is filled with challenges, parents can always rely on shared experiences and collective wisdom. With patience, professional guidance, and a supportive community, parents are sure to find countless ways to overcome any challenges that come their way.

Parents should always remember that seeking help is not a sign of failure but a step towards understanding and supporting our children better. By focusing on their needs and celebrating their unique paths, we can help them thrive in ways that go beyond the conventional metrics of success. As one mom puts it, “All we need to do is help them, kung ano ang makakabuti sa kanila.”

Read here for ways to help your child face big school.