A child’s relationship with their teachers plays a crucial role in their development. School is not just a place for academic learning; it is also an environment where meaningful relationships form, influencing students' emotional and social growth. Let’s not forget that children spend most of their day at school. For this reason, it is essential to foster an attitude of respect toward teachers and avoid negative criticism in front of our children.
The philosopher and psychoanalyst Umberto Galimberti recently highlighted how harmful it can be for a child to hear their parents speak negatively about teachers. According to Galimberti, this habit creates confusion in children, putting them in the difficult position of choosing between trust in their parents and respect for their teachers. This conflict can undermine their confidence and emotional development.
When a parent criticizes a teacher in front of their child, the immediate effect is confusion. The child must navigate an inner conflict: on the one hand, they naturally trust their parents; on the other, they interact daily with their teacher. This contrast can lead to insecurity and difficulties in valuing educational role models.
Another significant consequence concerns the perception of authority and respect. If a child repeatedly hears negative judgments about teachers, they may develop distrust toward the school system as a whole, leading to reduced engagement and a lack of motivation to learn. Teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about fostering an educational relationship built on mutual trust. Undermining this trust makes the learning journey more difficult.
Moreover, a respectful environment helps children learn how to face challenges constructively. If a child experiences a problem with a teacher, seeing their parents address it through dialogue and collaboration teaches them positive strategies for managing interpersonal relationships. On the contrary, witnessing complaints and criticism without direct discussion reinforces a model where disagreements are handled through devaluation and conflict.
As a school, we strongly believe in the importance of an educational alliance between families and teachers, as also mentioned in our school promise. Open and respectful dialogue is the key to creating a supportive environment where children can grow with confidence and motivation. Supporting teachers also means supporting our children's well-being, providing them with a positive model for relationships and learning.
