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When Your Child Says “My Teacher is Strict” — What Parents Need to Know

  • sakalyawisdom
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read
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Every parent knows this moment. Your child comes home, drops their bag, and with a dramatic sigh says, “My teacher scolded me.”

Your heart tightens. Your instinct whispers, Should I call the school? Should I step in? Should I protect my child? This immediate urge to rescue is natural. We love our children deeply, and the moment they feel even slightly uncomfortable, we try to shield them. Many parents today become “rescue parents” without realising it—getting involved at the first sign of distress.

But pause for a moment. That concern is valid—but the truth behind it often surprises them when we explain to them. What if this “strictness” is not what you think it is? What if it is exactly what helps your child grow into a confident, resilient learner?

Strict Does Not Mean Harsh: The Science Behind It

Psychologist Diana Baumrind, in her renowned research, found that the most effective adults in a child’s life—parents or teachers—are not just the nice or soft ones. They are what she called warm demanders. Warm demanders blend two essential forces: Warmth, emotional support, and care , High expectations, structure, and clear boundaries

This is the approach practiced at Sakalya Wisdom Early Years, and it is one reason parents call us the best preschool and best kindergarten in the area.

Baumrind discovered that children raised by such adults become more resilient, more self-directed and better able to handle challenges Warmth alone doesn’t build strength. Structure alone doesn’t build confidence. The blend does.

Children Grow Through Structure — Not Just Comfort

Lev Vygotsky explained that children grow most effectively in the Zone of Proximal Development—the space where they cannot do something on their own yet, but can succeed with temporary guidance. This temporary guidance is scaffolding, and it is exactly what a firm, structured teacher provides. A “strict” teacher—who sets routines, holds expectations, and maintains boundaries—is actually helping your child climb a little higher every day. The discomfort your child feels is often the feeling of growth, not distress.

📘 Teacher Credibility Matters — And It Transforms Learning

Educational researcher John Hattie found that teachers who maintain consistent expectations and boundaries dramatically accelerate student learning. This is called teacher credibility, and it emerges through: predictable routines, a calm, structured environment, fair consequences and espect for every learner

This is why the teaching style at Sakalya Wisdom Early Years focuses on balanced discipline, emotional safety, and gentle firmness.It is one of the reasons families searching for best preschool near apartments and villas, or best kindergarten on Whitefield–Hoskote main road, choose Sakalya.

🪔 Our Tradition Understood This Long Before Research Did

In India’s Guru–Shishya tradition, the guru wasn’t merely a gentle companion.The guru held up a mirror—firmly yet lovingly. Not to punish.Not to frighten.But to awaken. Our teachers carry this same spirit: to guide, support, and elevate each child, not simply comfort them.

🌈 Next Time Your Child Says “My Teacher Is Strict”… Pause.

Before reacting, ask:

  • Is this distress?

  • Or is this scaffolding?

  • Is this strictness actually gentle guidance that builds strength?

  • Are we being partner parents, walking with the teacher?

  • Or rescue parents, unintentionally interrupting growth?

When warmth meets structure, children blossom. Even the little discomfort is a sign of growth.

❤️ So ask yourself today:

What kind of teacher do you want for your child?Only comforting?Or one who balances love with expectations—helping your child become confident, capable, and resilient?

🌟 Admissions Open for Next Academic Year

Early booking offers available for Playgroup. Pre- Kindergarten  and kindergarten at Sakalya Wisdom Early Years.

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