479: What Elementary Teachers Wish Parents Knew

Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs

Karen Stubbs

Christianity, Parenting, Parenting Advice, Kids & Family, Christian Parent, Religion & Spirituality, Faith, Motherhood

4.9 • 936 Ratings

🗓️ 12 August 2025

⏱️ 36 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

If you’re parenting an elementary-age child, this episode is for you! Today Karen and Emily sit down with elementary school principal Amber Lamb to share practical ways you can partner with teachers, encourage independence, and help your child navigate friendships during these formative years. With 20+ years in education, Amber offers encouragement and practical tips to set your family up for a strong and connected school year.

Episode Recap:

Elementary school principal Amber Lamb joins us today (4:15)
What has changed in the school world since you became an administrator? (6:45)
Fewer parents are coming into the building now (8:30)
How can parent involvement make a difference at this stage? (11:15)
I wish more moms understood education is a journey (14:45)
Put your “kids lens” on when talking to your kid about what’s going on at school (21:15)
Go in to talking with your teacher with positive intent (29:02)
No contribution to the classroom is too small! (30:26)
Encourage independence and be curious about your child this school year! (34:42)

Scripture: Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Discussion Questions:

What’s one way you can build good communication with your child’s teacher this year?
How do you currently encourage independence at home? What’s one age-appropriate step you could add?
Think about a time your child didn’t have the “perfect” teacher match; did it help them grow? How so?
How can you support your child as they navigate friendships when conflict arises?
Where do you have margin this year to serve and/or encourage your child’s school staff?

Resources:

Grab a pad of Lunchbox Notes to start your year off strong! https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/gifts/products/lunch-box-notes
Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community
Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	You want to be a student of your child. So asking questions when your kid comes home and talks about
0:05.7	Ms. Smith, she is the best teacher. Ask, well, what makes them the best teacher? Because oftentimes
0:12.2	your child learns in a much different way than you do. And so sometimes, you know, a lot of schools
0:17.5	offer a parent input form at the beginning of the year where you can talk about
0:21.7	your child and what teacher or learning environment works best for them. And so honestly,
0:26.9	sometimes you don't know as a parent how they're learning their best, but you can learn a lot
0:31.3	by asking, well, why is that teacher a great teacher? And then also when they complain about
0:36.6	a teacher, well, tell me more about
0:38.5	that. Why didn't you like what she said? Or why do you think she's a bad teacher? Little things that
0:43.7	they will say, you'll realize sometimes it's a teaching style, but then also sometimes it's a
0:48.6	classroom environment. There's just so many things. Unless we ask those questions, you just don't know
0:53.9	what's really helping them at school. Welcome to Wire Talk, unless we ask those questions, you just don't know what's really helping them
0:55.8	at school.
0:56.7	Welcome to Wire Talk, where we encourage and equip moms by answering practical questions
1:01.6	about motherhood.
1:02.5	We want to help instill God's truth in your heart so you can experience more joy and peace
1:07.6	on your journey of motherhood.
1:09.0	Are you ready for some truth?
1:10.4	Let's dive in.
1:13.6	Well, hello everybody.
1:15.1	Happy August.
1:15.9	I can't believe we are in August, Mom.
	...

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