There are teachers kids love   and teachers they pray they don't get. So, when the kids head back to school next month, here are some tips on how to handle those teachers in the second group. We got these from Woman's Day magazine.

• The strict teacher. Focus on what your child can gain from the teacher's approach. They'll start paying more attention, and will probably learn to follow directions better. Your job is to know the classroom rules and review your kid's assignments with them regularly, to make sure they're meeting the teacher's expectations. Despite what your child might feel, these teachers can actually be very good for them.
• The tough-grader. Let's say your "A" student can't seem to score higher than a "B" in this teacher's class. Explain to your kid that difficult teachers like tough bosses are inevitable. But they can rise above it by working hard no matter what the result. Also, help them adjust their grade expectations. A "B" grade is still above average, and they should be proud of it.
• The Non-communicator. This person will never let you know if your child is falling behind. The first indication you'll get is that "D" on their report card. So, ask for ways to keep tabs on your kid's progress throughout the term. Don't make unreasonable demands on their time, but let them know you'd appreciate having a phone or email conversation with them once a month.
• And finally, there's the crybaby. This teacher is always irritable, impatient and never satisfied. If your kid gets one of these, first of all make sure they know NOT to take it personally. Then meet with the teacher and ask them to write a list of what they consider your child's strengths to be. This way when the teacher is acting unreasonably, your child can pull out the list and remember what good qualities their teacher recognizes in them, even if the teacher himself has temporarily forgotten.