With the school year in full swing, it's a good time to think about ways to help your kids succeed in school. Everyone I know is so busy earning money and providing a caring home, it seems almost impossible that more could be done. But we must. Our children deserve the best shot possible to achieve all each of them can. How can we help them?
The first thing to do is to check our attitudes about school. The vast majority of teachers and school administrators have the best interests of our children firmly in their minds and hearts. Approach these educators as partners. Respect their training and dedication. Expect them to respect your position and experience. Try to achieve a win-win in all interactions.When our daughter, Stephani (now 19 years old) was 6 years old and a new first-grader, we knew she would have a little problem being quiet. (Her father's genes.) We approached her teacher to see if we could work on this issue in a consistent way at home and at school. Mrs. Armor immediately agreed, and we parents and Steph's teacher started developing the great person and student our daughter is. All parents can work this way with the schools.
The second thing to do is to build a home life that reinforces productive school work. Have high expectations. Give your kids chores and expect them to be done. Set up a place for homework and expect it will be done well. Show your kids all the time that you love them That's what you can and must do.