Advice for Working with Your Child's School Counselor

As parents we hope that or children can get through their academic career only needing their guidance counselor for the college application process. However, unfortunately for many this doesn't end up being the case. There are many reason's that your child may end up in the guidance office and knowing how to handle this situation can be beneficial to both you and your child.

Consider the guidance counselor to be your friend. A school counselors job is to help children and they are there to act in the best interest of the children. If your child is having a situation in school that merits attention contact the counselor first. Inform the counselor of the situation and ask their advice on how to proceed. They are very knowledgeable on proper protocol and are unbiased considering they don't work with your child daily. If your child is having difficulty with another child, rather than informing the teacher, inform the school counselor. The counselor is more neutral than the teacher and is more likely to hear all sides of the dispute with an unbiased ear. Additionally, school counselors are well versed in child psychology and have more insight into certain childhood behaviors.

If you are contacted by the guidance counselor about your child do not be defensive. The school counselor is only contacting you in an attempt to help your child with a problem. Keep an open mind and listen to what the counselor has to say before responding. Don't hesitate to suggest a meeting with the counselor if you feel it is needed. Additionally, once a situation has been brought to your attention be proactive about keeping in touch with the school counselor to monitor the outcome. The more interested you are in the welfare of your child, the more favorably the counselor will feel towards you.

When the time comes for your child to start thinking about college, enlist the assistance of their school counselor. Set up a meeting for your child to meet with the counselor and discuss their academic options. Ask their opinion on colleges and the application process. In fact having your child get in touch with their guidance counselor at the beginning of high-school to discuss college is smart. This will ensure that your child takes all the needed courses and extra curricular activities to get in to the college of their choice. Additionally, it makes your child a familiar face and helps develop a relationship between your child and a potential ally.

School counselors are at school to do a job. Their job is to guide your children emotionally, academically and socially when needed. They only become involved with your children when a situation calls for their expertise. Keeping all this in mind when dealing with your child's school counselor will enable you to have a more successful relationship with them.