As a developmental paediatrician, I meet many children who are struggling in ways that aren’t always easy to see right away.
Some children can’t sit still. Some don’t talk much.
Some children have trouble joining in, listening, following instructions, or learning in the usual ways.
Sometimes, there’s just something a little different, but it isn’t easy to pinpoint right away.
And often, it’s not even the parents who first notice. It’s the teachers.
The first to notice with care.
Teachers see children every day in a group, learning, playing, talking, and managing routines.
They notice when something seems a bit off; maybe a child finds it hard to follow what’s going on, join others, or manage emotions.
And what really matters is how teachers raise those concerns.
It’s never with judgement; it’s with genuine care.
Teachers check with parents by saying, “I’ve noticed she’s having a little trouble following instructions. Have you seen anything like that at home?”
Simple, kind conversations like this are often the first step toward early support and they make a big difference.
Teachers and Parents: A Team
Teachers notice things that parents may not, and that’s completely normal.
Parents see their child with love and hope, often in a comfortable home environment. That can make it harder to spot the same challenges that show up in a busy classroom.
Similarly, teachers are in a unique position to notice the mental health impact of distressing experiences such as bullying, social isolation, or body image concerns, which may trigger anxiety, depression, or withdrawal in vulnerable children.
Recognising these red flags goes beyond academics — it is about ensuring the overall well-being of the child.
Effective communication between teachers and parents is therefore essential, not only to support academic growth but also to foster early intervention, emotional resilience, and healthy development.
Early Help Starts with Trust
When parents trust the teacher’s concern not as criticism, but as care, so much good can follow.
A teacher notices something.
A child gets assessed.
Parents begin to understand.
Support is put in place.
The child starts to thrive in confidence, in learning, and in happiness.
And it all begins because one teacher spoke up with heart and courage.
“Sometimes the smallest voice in the classroom is the one that changes a life — because one teacher made that child feel seen, heard, and understood.”
On this Teacher’s Day, I just want to say:
Thank you for being keen observers, advocates, and partners in child development.
Teachers’ care often becomes the turning point in a child’s journey.
“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart.”
With heartfelt respect,
Dr Naveena Karthik
Developmental Behavioural Paediatrician,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
