The power of influence on children and their parents as a teacher

In order for us to have a crystal clear understanding of this topic, it is pertinent that we first begin by appreciating these two imperative concepts: power and influence.

Power: this can be said to mean the ability to do something, the ability to control or influence someone or people to do something that they normally would not have done, the quality of strength of a subject.

Influence: This on the other hand can be the effect of something on a person, thing or event; the power someone has to affect the thinking or actions of other people through argument, example, or force of personality.

Now, by merging these two concepts in this context, we try to weigh the powers (strength qualities and potencies) of the concept of influence on children and their parents, by teachers.

Research has shown that humans are the most intelligent, cunning, and open-minded herd animals on earth. Therefore, the search and improvement of man’s knowledge is further updated in his gregarious nature (capable of associating in a group). For this reason, naturally, no man is an island. No wonder there are institutions like schools, congregations, churches, fellowships, and even families. These are interconnected because they are essential in the existence of men, because through them there is a great increase in the connection of influence between men. Teachers have a crucial and primary role to play when it comes to influencing children and their parents.

First of all, through teachings, be it academic or moral, teachers can go a long way in instilling in children the best skills they need to grow. Proverb 22:6 has emphasized that ‘instruct a child in his way, and when he is old he will not depart from him’. Your influence on these young people at their tender age will be one of the things they will dominate as adults. Children are innocent and eager to learn, therefore teachers should use the privilege of being a teacher to these little ones, to instill not only academic inclinations but also morality in these children. This will greatly contribute to positively affect and strengthen the formations, forms and behaviors of these young people, even in their various families and also the impression of their tutors on the teachers. Of course, any character that a child shows at home, which seems erratic, the parents are most likely to attribute to the knowledge they get from school. Therefore, there should be an inclusion of motivational teachings and sex education teachings in the school curriculum. This will effectively motivate, enlighten and direct the students to correctly grasp the essence of their dreams.

Furthermore, there must be this feasible cordial relationship between teachers and their students. Mark 10:13-15 has stated “and they brought children to him to touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Children themselves are gifts and should not be kept away. When a child approaches an adult, the child becomes attached to the adult. When that happens, trust is established. When trust is established, the child’s problem is revealed to be thrown away. This is the key to a strong influence from a tutor to a student. How can this be done? one can ask.

Teachers must undertake some extracurricular activities to complement the conventional programs in school, be they educational or otherwise. Teachers should introduce and organize activities such as games, skills training, and competitions for these children. This will make teachers appear more accessible and students more flexible, thus strengthening the channel of influence between the two parties. School will become more fun and beneficial for these children, who may have had a notion of stress for a school.

They must keep a close follow-up on the tutors. As I said earlier, whatever character a child displays at home that seems erratic, parents will most likely attribute it to the knowledge they gain from school. Therefore, teachers need to be attentive to the type of companies they maintain, as well as the attitudes that these young people show in school because they (teachers) are also parents of these young people.

By extension, teachers should strive to strengthen their encounters with the children’s parents. Here, not only must teachers organize official parent-teacher meetings, but there must also be an occasional visit by teachers to the homes of these youngsters. This will enhance the relationship between the teacher and the parents, as it will show the teacher as a trustworthy, enthusiastic, dedicated and hard-working teacher.