Ensuring School Success for Your Child
It doesn’t matter whether you are sending your child off to school for the first time or tenth time, a new school year is upon us. For some children, the thought of school brings up feelings of dread, while others look forward to it. Personally, I loved school! I looked forward to the day my mother took me shopping for new clothes and school supplies.
In my own home growing up and in our family today, we take our education seriously. Although my boys are not quite as willing and excited as I was about school, I still work to instill good success habits. Here are some ideas you can use with your children to ensure a successful school year.
Develop and Follow Morning, After School and Bedtime Routines
Morning, after school and bedtime routines provide consistency and structure for a child. They help children stay organized and instill good lifestyle habits. Post routines for your children outlining each specific step you want them to take. Be consistent and help your children practice these routines. When my older son Kai was diagnosed with ADHD in 3rd grade, routines kept him organized and contributed greatly to his success in school.
Teach Your Children How to Set Goals
Once you believe your children are old enough to understand, begin teaching them how to set goals. With children under age 12, keep it simple. Ask them to set one academic goal and one behavioral goal. For example, I will allow plenty of time to work on projects instead of procrastinating. Behavioral goals can include showing more respect, getting along with brothers or sisters, or doing chores on time. After age 12, show your children how to set bigger goals that require more action steps, or encourage them to set three or four goals each year. Have fun with your children creating a colorful goals sheet or vision board so they can be reminded of their goals.
Communicate Often with Your Children and Teachers
Parents that are involved with their child’s education by keeping the lines of communication open help their child be more successful. Talk to the teachers regularly and make sure you are available to talk with your child. When a child is struggling in school, working together with the teachers can help you be a team in shaping your child’s character in and out of school. While some children start talking the moment they walk in the door, others internalize what is going on at school. Ask open ended questions that encourage your child to talk, and listen without judgment to what is on their heart and mind. Bedtime and playtime are great times to get children to open up.
Help Your Child Identify His Interests and Talents
Have your ever noticed how some kids have natural talent for singing, some children are gifted academically, and others have a special knack for taking apart and putting things back together? That’s what is so great about children. Each child is unique and special. With all the competition and comparisons in school today, it can be easy for a child to get discouraged and feel bad about himself. Instead, help your child recognize what her strengths are by paying attention to what gives her energy, and what activities she naturally gravitates towards. Encourage your child to embrace his natural interests and talents instead of trying to be like someone else.
Help Your Child Minimize Stress
Stress, believe it or not, affects a child’s life as well as our own. While child stress is different than adult stress, children have their own set of pressures to deal with. Peers pressure them, teachers sometimes have high expectations, and kids are continually faced with trying new things. Stress for a child can be expressed through misbehavior, irritability or increased sensitivity. If your child is experiencing stress, incorporate stress management techniques to help them cope. Help them learn to have flexible thoughts, stand up to bullies, or manage perfectionism and procrastination. Try not to overbook the family calendar with too many extracurricular activities. Make healthy eating, exercise and proper sleep important goals for all family members.
As my youngest enters the second grade, and my eldest begins his first year in college, I am anticipating a successful school year. With these tips, you and your children can look forward to and celebrate success as they enter a new school year.