Schools need to focus on various parameters like the holistic well-being and academic achievement of students, but boarding schools need to be more vigilant regarding the satisfaction of students and their parents.
Boarding schools like the best residential schools in Bangalore need to prioritize the care of the students and simultaneously need to manage effective parent communication as well to keep them well informed.
They need to clear the following points with the parents:
Misconception 1 about boarding schools - You are sending your child away.
Many students feel that if they are studying in a boarding school, it’s a punishment for them. On the other hand, many parents are skeptical about sending their children to a hostel as they feel they are sending their children away from them. This perspective needs to change as both the parents and students need to understand that it is for their holistic upbringing and well-being that the students are admitted to a boarding school. This should be taken positively and with pride.
Misconception 2 about boarding schools: Starting College is anticlimactic.
This again should be corrected as it is a myth that children will not be able to adjust to college life after studying in a boarding school. In fact, in most cases, it is just the opposite. Children become more independent and understand the significance of studying in various groups and adjusting to different circumstances. Going to college is a vastly different experience and students learn a new level of personal responsibility and boundaries in the world of independence.
Misconception 3 about boarding schools: You lose your child, and your relationship will change.
This is a myth again. Yes, the children do get more independent and start self-relying for many things, so parents may feel that they do not need them anymore. But this is not true. In the longer run, this will be a boon, as observed in the best boarding school in Bangalore. Parents will benefit from this characteristic as children do not depend on parents for little things and the relationship becomes friendlier.
Misconception 4 about boarding schools: You will not know your child's friends.
Parents are always keen to know the kind of friends their children have and in a boarding school, it becomes difficult for them to keep a track of their company. But this should not be a matter of concern. The wardens need to make them aware that the company and behaviour of the child and his friends will be thoroughly looked after by them. The parents should be properly updated on every visit about their personal lives and close friendship that they develop with their peers.
Benefits of enrolling children in boarding schools.
· Children get an opportunity to live in a diverse community, make friends from different backgrounds and cultures and experience a homogenous neighbourhood.
· There is no hassle of transportation or dropping off and picking up children. Moreover, they can enjoy social engagements and weekend athletic practices within the boarding house.
· At a boarding school, students enjoy extra-curricular activities like dance, parties, activities; or just hanging out with friends.
· Parents get more time to work on themselves, start on their professional careers and take-out time for their own wellbeing.
· Children become self-reliant and independent and learn to do basic work on their own without depending on their parents for little things.
· Students take the best of what they have been taught in the boarding school and mix it with their ideas and strengths. They become more comfortable in their skin and imbibe and encourage a sense of confidence that is a solid and strong foundation for their success in life.
While conducting formal meetings with parents, the boarding school authorities must:
· Keep the paperwork minimal and have more of a friendly conversation with parents by updating them about the overall development and growth of their wards.
· School authorities must ensure parents that they always create alternative working methods and resolutions for different groups.
· The teachers and wardens should be transparent and accessible
· Parents should know how to access the information they need, and they should be able to receive regular updates. The need to contact staff directly should be minimal.
· The school must provide a mobile app or a cloud-based system to enable the parents to see what has been happening according to their schedule. This also helps them to keep a track of regular updates that they can check every day. School apps also help parents check to leave requests, fee status, trip photos, and circulars, check notifications and read about the activities and felicitations going on in the school.
Conclusion
It is of paramount significance for the authorities of the boarding school to communicate effectively with parents. Many would have various misconceptions or doubts or fears of sending their children away from them. But the wardens and teachers should make them feel comfortable and explain the importance and relevance of having their children in a reputed boarding house.
