Teachers are often surprised to find out that parents in professional careers can be insecure or uncomfortable when it comes to talking about their child. Even parents with post-graduate education in child development often have feelings of anxiety and insecurity when it comes to their own children. So how can parents develop a positive working relationship with their child's teachers?

Our children feel proud and excited about their various art projects from school. But beyond, “Wow, that’s great, honey,” we’re often not sure how to respond. According to Diane Trister Dodge, author of the Creative Curriculum, children engaged in art go through four stages as they learn to hold and manipulate a crayon or pencil. Perhaps this progression will give us a better understanding of our children's artwork.

Check list for teaching young children about personal safety

- Teach them to tell you if anyone asks them to keep kiss, hug or touch a secret. Explain that no one should ask them to do this and you will never be angry at them if they tell you. Ensure that they know they must do this even if it feels good or if someone threatens them.

Being able to express your idea is a basic skill. It's critical to a child's success in school and later in life. Nearly every school assignment your child will receive will require some form of writing or speaking. The best way to learn to write and speak is just to practice. The more children practice these skills, the better they will get at them.