15 Things Teachers Wish Parents Would Stop Doing

Teachers and parents share the same goal—helping kids succeed—but sometimes, well-meaning parenting habits can unintentionally make learning harder.

While parents want to support their children, certain behaviors can create obstacles instead of opportunities.

From communication breakdowns to unrealistic expectations, small shifts in approach can make a big difference.

When teachers and parents work together, kids feel more confident, capable, and excited about learning.

Understanding what teachers truly need from parents can strengthen that partnership and set children up for success.

Here are some common habits teachers wish parents would rethink to create a better learning experience for everyone.

• Doing the work for kids stops them from learning on their own.

• Teachers want parents to guide, not give answers.

• Ask questions that help kids think instead of solving problems for them.

• Teachers work hard to support students, but they can’t control every academic challenge.

• A team approach works best—communicate concerns respectfully.

• Assume good intentions before jumping to blame.

• Kids who read regularly do better in school, yet many don’t read outside class.

• Set aside time for daily reading and let your child see you reading too.

• Talk about books together to boost comprehension.

• Sports and hobbies are great, but schoolwork should come first.

• Help kids find a healthy balance.

• Show them that education is a lifelong priority, not just a school requirement.

• Teachers juggle a lot—responding instantly isn’t always possible.

• Be patient with emails and messages.

• Respect school hours and allow reasonable response times.

• Being late and missing school often makes learning harder.

• Consistency in attendance helps kids stay on track.

• If absences are unavoidable, keep teachers in the loop.

• Teachers need parents to back them up on classroom rules.

• Teach kids to respect teachers and follow guidelines.

• Model respectful communication at home.

• Every child learns at their own pace—constant comparisons hurt confidence.

• Focus on personal progress rather than competing with others.

• Celebrate effort and growth, not just test scores.

• Tired, hungry kids struggle to focus and learn.

• Make sure they get enough sleep and eat nutritious meals.

• Cut back on screens before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

• Important updates often get missed because parents don’t check messages.

• Keep up with emails, newsletters, and learning apps.

• Engage with teachers during conferences and meetings.

• High expectations are good, but too much pressure can lead to burnout.

• Encourage a balanced approach to school and life.

• Know when your child needs a break or extra support.

• Too much screen time can hurt focus and academic performance.

• Set clear limits and encourage outdoor play or hands-on learning.

• Balance is key—some screen time is fine, but it shouldn’t take over.

• Criticizing teachers at home can make kids disrespectful in class.

• If there’s a concern, address it privately with the teacher.

• Support a strong partnership between home and school.

• Learning means making mistakes—perfectionism causes stress.

• Celebrate small wins and personal growth.

• Encourage resilience and a love of learning.

• Kids need to learn responsibility and problem-solving.

• Let them handle age-appropriate tasks without stepping in.

• Teach them how to navigate challenges instead of fixing everything for them.