Joanna Fortune: Teenager is good at school but a nightmare at home

Parents often describe a sharp contrast between their child’s school and home behaviour

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I’m the principal of a small school. One mother phones and visits me in tears, talking about how hard it is to parent her teenage boy. His grades and behaviour are good in school, but his mother says he is a nightmare at home. I have suggested a good therapist. What else can I do? The mother is a Spanish speaker with poor English, so I can’t recommend any books. What would you suggest?

Your email shows your commitment to supporting the boy and his mother. Too often, we underestimate the crucial role that strong, emotional connections between educators and students play in determining schooling and life outcomes. Collaborative connections between schools and parents should always be encouraged.