5 Helpful Strategies When Your Child Dislikes Their Teacher

Going back to school after a the long summer holiday can bring a whirlwind of emotions, nervous excitement, taking first day of school pictures and wondering who the teacher and sometimes the classmates will be. For some parents, the end of the summer holiday can be filled with a feeling of dread.

It’s no secret that for many kids, and parents, the return to school is daunting. Beyond homework and schedules, there’s the anxiety when your child and teacher do not get along, or when you constantly get negative messages about your child. If you have ever wanted to hide under your pillow at the thought of school starting, you’re not alone.

While we can’t control every aspect of the classroom, we can support our children in navigating tricky teacher relationships. Here are 5 helpful strategies to help your child thrive, even when the teacher isn’t their favorite or really disliked.

Understanding the Situation

When your child comes home venting about their teacher, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. Believe me, the knee jerk reaction to help your child is stong. Instead, pause and gather information. Teaching styles and personalities vary greatly, just as every child has unique learning needs. Before assuming fault, consider whether the challenges stem from the teacher, your child, or a mix of both.

Encourage your child to share specifics about their experiences. Is the teacher strict, disorganized, or perhaps misunderstood? Understanding the dynamics is key to offering meaningful support.

Open Communication

Open communication is your secret weapon. Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings about their teacher. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions, even if their perspective feels exaggerated. Sometimes, just feeling heard can defuse a child’s frustration.

TIP: Ask open-ended questions like:

• “How do you feel about your teacher?”

• “What’s one thing you like about them?”

• “How do you think your teacher sees you?”

  
  

These questions encourage reflection and help you better understand the root of the issue.

Building Positive Relationships

This might sound counterintuitive, especially to teens who insist, “The teacher doesn’t care about me!” Yet fostering a positive relationship can transform a challenging situation. Encourage your child to respect their teacher and see them as a resource, not an adversary. Coach them to seek help early, not after the problem snowballs.

TIP: Teach your child to approach their teacher with a problem-solving attitude. Teachers appreciate proactive students that are involved and this approach builds rapport. Instead of being upset, they could say, “I’m struggling with this topic. Can you help me understand it better?” or "I have difficulty focussing when I sit next to the door, can I sit in the middle of the class".

Partnering with the Teacher

A strong parent-teacher partnership is essential. If issues persist, schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns. Approach the conversation with respect and empathy, appreciating the work the teacher no doubt is putting in and emphasizing your shared goal: your child’s success.

TIP: Begin the discussion by acknowledging the teacher’s efforts. For example, “I appreciate the energy you put into helping the class stay engaged.” Starting on a positive note sets a collaborative tone and helps avoid defensiveness and feeling criticized.

During the meeting, highlight your child’s strengths. Sharing their hobbies, interests, or past achievements can help the teacher see them in a more holistic light.

Working Towards Solutions

Rather than dwelling on problems, focus on solutions. Collaborate with the teacher to identify strategies that support your child’s learning and emotional well-being. Keep in mind that teachers juggle many responsibilities, so a constructive approach fosters goodwill.

TIP: Use language that frames the discussion as teamwork: “What can we do together to help [Child’s Name] succeed?” Avoid generalizing or bringing up unrelated issues, which can derail the conversation.

Supporting Emotional Well-Being

A difficult teacher relationship can impact your child beyond the classroom. While you are getting reports that your child is doing fine in school, you may see a very different behavior at home. Some kids vent their frustrations through anger, while others withdraw. Pay attention to these signals and offer your child healthy outlets to decompress. Activities like drawing, playing outside, sports or simply talking about their day can make a big difference.

Empowering Your Child

Ultimately, these situations offer valuable life lessons. Teach your child to handle challenges with resilience and grace. Equip them with skills like self-care, problem-solving, and effective communication tools they’ll use long after school ends.

TIP: Role-play scenarios to help your child practice handling tough conversations. For example, “What could you say if you don’t understand the homework?” or “How can you respectfully explain your perspective to your teacher?”

Help your child see that while they can’t change others, they can adapt their own responses and find the best way forward.

Final Thoughts

Every child deserves to feel supported at school, even when faced with challenges. By fostering open communication, positive relationships, and problem-solving skills, you’re giving your child the tools they need to thrive - not just this school year, but in life. So, the next time “I hate the teacher” rolls around, take a deep breath, grab your coffee, and know that you’ve got this.

Let's work together to help your child be happier and feel successful. Contact us today.

Hanna Baer is an Educational Therapist with over 15 years of experience, founder of Neuro-fun Whole Child Therapy and mother of two amazing daughters. The one-of-a-kind program she developed improves the brain-body connection, behavior and learning skills. She helps children and young people feel happier and successful, helps parents and teachers to work together and improves parent-child relationships. Follow Hanna on facebook.com/neurofunwholechild and instagram.com/neurofunwholechild