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Cooperation
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respect for the one on whom their well-being in so great degree
depends.
The parents’ intimate knowledge both of the character of the
children and of their physical peculiarities or infirmities, if shared
with the teacher, is valuable. It is to be regretted that many fail to
realize this. Most parents show little interest in either the teacher’s
qualifications, or in cooperating with him or her.
Since parents rarely acquaint themselves with the teacher, it is
important that the teacher seek the acquaintance of parents. Teachers
should visit in the homes of their students and gain a knowledge of
the influences and surroundings where they live. By coming person-
ally in touch with their homes and lives, teachers may strengthen the
ties that bind them to their pupils and may learn how to deal more
successfully with their different dispositions and temperaments.
As teachers interest themselves in the home education, they
impart a double benefit. Many parents, absorbed in work and care,
lose sight of their opportunities to influence for good the lives of
their children. Teachers can do much to arouse these parents to their
possibilities and privileges. Other parents feel a heavy sense of their
responsibility to see that their children become good and useful men
and women. Often the teacher can assist these parents in bearing
their burden, and, by counseling together, both teacher and parents
will be encouraged and strengthened.
The Principle of Cooperation
The principle of cooperation is invaluable in the home training
of the young. From their earliest years children should be led to feel
that they are a part of the home firm. Even the little ones should
be trained to share in the daily work and should be made to feel
that their help is needed and appreciated. The older ones should
be their parents’ assistants, entering into their plans and sharing
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their responsibilities. Let fathers and mothers show their children
that they value their help, desire their confidence, and enjoy their
companionship, and the children will respond. Not only will the
parents’ burden be lightened and the children receive a practical
training of inestimable worth, there will be a strengthening of the
home ties and a deepening of the very foundations of character.