How to write a letter home from the teacher?

Question

Alrgiht, so I work at a summer camp and the director asked me to write a letter home to a childs parent saying that they arent sleeping enough and arent eating breakfast. What should it say? Examples?

Answer 1

Well, if it's anything that would make the director concerned about the child's health, the parents should be called - not written.  It'll take at least 2-3 days for the letter to reach them, by which time he'll either be home or he'll have gone through another 2-3 days of not eating or sleeping.  And at that time, honestly, what are they going to do about it?

There are two reasons he's not eating or sleeping...first, he honestly may not need as much sleep as many other kids (some don't), and he may not be hungry in the morning (some kids aren't).  Does he eat his lunch and dinner?  Does he get along with the other kids and participate?  Does he seem healthy?  If all the answers are yes, I really don't see a reason to write the parents.  They likely know that he doesn't sleep much and doesn't prefer breakfast before 11.

(My 10yo son honestly doesn't need more than 5-7 hours of sleep per night, and while he's up at 7 each morning, he eats breakfast by choice at 10-11.  It's just how he's wired.)

The other reason is that he's not used to being away from home, can't sleep in a strange bed, and doesn't feel comfortable - or even feels sick - in the morning due to stress.  If the questions I asked above are answered "no", he may need a trip to the camp nurse or he may need to speak with his parents on the phone.  Even just being reassured by them could do the trick.

Either way, I would advise you to go back to the director and let him know that you think a letter home may not be the right way to handle it.  If the child's fine (and just doesn't need that much sleep or breakfast), let it go and document it.  Maybe call the parents to make sure that this is normal for him.  If he's not fine, I would suggest talking with him (with another counselor or staff member) to see if you can help him work through it.  Call his parents if necessary.

I'd honestly be a little ticked if I received a letter instead of a phone call about something like this, if it were my son, but if your director insists, something like this would work:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. ____________,

Billy is doing well at camp and he's a joy to work with.  However, we have noticed that he does not seem to be sleeping as well as he could and he often chooses not to eat his breakfast.  We were not sure if this was normal behavior for him but wanted to let you know.

Director __________ requested that I inform you in writing.  Please do not hesitate to call him at x*x-x*x-xxxx.

Sincerely,

____________________

Answer 2

Here's an example of what you should say:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. ________,

I would first like to say what a pleasure it is to have ____ at camp but it has come to my attention that he/she isn't sleeping enough and not having a sufficent breakfast.  I would appreciate if you could see to this matter immediatly.

Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing back from you about where this problem stands.

Sincerely,

__________

Answer 3

Be very hesitant to write the letters outlined by other answers. You are asking for trouble. Never use the word "problem" or accusatory language (such as I have noticed ___ isn't getting enough sleep). Instead I would suggest a letter to all parents reminding them that the activities and nature of summer camp can be rigorous and in order for the children to get the most of their experience it is vital that they eat a good breakfast and get at least ___ hours of sleep.

This will give the parents the idea, but not accuse anyone. If the problem continues and you need to be specific, CALL. Don't put these kind of communications into writing unless you have to. The best rule of thumb is "Am I 100 percent sure this communication will not lead to legal action" by stating their is a "problem" or the kids is not being fed or deprived of sleep, you are asking to be sued.

Honestly, it is WAAAAAAY inappropriate for the director to ask you to write the letter. If he/she is concerned, they need to write it as they are the person in charge. I STRONGLY urge you to refuse to write the letter. Politely tell your director "I believe the parents would be more receptive to a letter from the director rather than me."

Answer 4

What is the parent supposed to do from miles away?  I'm not sure what the point of the letter is, besides worrying the parents...  anyways...

sandwich the criticism, soften the blow.  

Billy is a lovely child, and is making great strides in basket weaving and marshmallow roasting.  We would like to see him be able to get a good night's sleep and eat his entire breakfast, so that he can continue to enjoy all of the activities at camp.  If you could speak with him regarding this matter, we would appreciate it.  

Although, if they can't speak with him, I'm not sure what the point of the letter is...  warning them that Billy will return home a thin zombie??