It doesnt matter whether you are sending your child off to college for the first time, or your two year old is starting a two-day preschool program, a new school year is just around the corner. Some children love school, while others dread it. Growing up, I was one of those weird kids that loved school. Every year at about this time, my mother would take me school shopping for new clothes and school supplies. I dont know if it was the shopping I loved, or the anticipation of a new school year.
Education is an important value in our home. For my boys, I model and teach good success habits so they can be successful in school. With these ideas, your children can be well on their way to experiencing a successful school year.
Establish Routines for Morning, After School and Bedtime
When my oldest son Kai was growing up, he was diagnosed with ADHD. It was then that I learned about how important routines were in a child's life. Children thrive on consistency and structure, and routines provide that repetition and instill good habits. Make up sheets of paper that list every step your child should take before school, after school and before he goes to bed. Be specific and practice these routines until they become natural and habitual.
Give Your Children Lessons in Goal Setting
Once your children are old enough, give them a beginners course in setting goals for themselves. Keep it simple with children under age 12. Ask them to set one academic goal and one behavioral goal. For instance, I will work to get a B in Math this year or I will read 15 minutes every day. Good behavioral goals can focus on respecting other people, increasing confidence, or being more helpful. As your child gets older, he or she can learn to set larger goals that require more action steps, or increase the number of goals. Help your children create a colorful goals sheet or vision board as a reminder of what they are working on.
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.
Stay Tuned In to Your Childs 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 is all around us, and children are not immune to it. Children deal with their own stress: peer pressure or school bullies, intense sports competition, and academic struggles. Stay tuned in to what could be causing stress for your child. It's never too early to learn stress management techniques. In our home, we regularly work with our seven year old, teaching him how to plan better, control negative thinking, or combat fears and anxieties. Keep the family calendar balanced by minimizing after school and evening activities. Take care of yourself and your family by modeling healthy eating, exercise and proper sleep.
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. - 29957
Education is an important value in our home. For my boys, I model and teach good success habits so they can be successful in school. With these ideas, your children can be well on their way to experiencing a successful school year.
Establish Routines for Morning, After School and Bedtime
When my oldest son Kai was growing up, he was diagnosed with ADHD. It was then that I learned about how important routines were in a child's life. Children thrive on consistency and structure, and routines provide that repetition and instill good habits. Make up sheets of paper that list every step your child should take before school, after school and before he goes to bed. Be specific and practice these routines until they become natural and habitual.
Give Your Children Lessons in Goal Setting
Once your children are old enough, give them a beginners course in setting goals for themselves. Keep it simple with children under age 12. Ask them to set one academic goal and one behavioral goal. For instance, I will work to get a B in Math this year or I will read 15 minutes every day. Good behavioral goals can focus on respecting other people, increasing confidence, or being more helpful. As your child gets older, he or she can learn to set larger goals that require more action steps, or increase the number of goals. Help your children create a colorful goals sheet or vision board as a reminder of what they are working on.
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.
Stay Tuned In to Your Childs 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 is all around us, and children are not immune to it. Children deal with their own stress: peer pressure or school bullies, intense sports competition, and academic struggles. Stay tuned in to what could be causing stress for your child. It's never too early to learn stress management techniques. In our home, we regularly work with our seven year old, teaching him how to plan better, control negative thinking, or combat fears and anxieties. Keep the family calendar balanced by minimizing after school and evening activities. Take care of yourself and your family by modeling healthy eating, exercise and proper sleep.
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. - 29957
About the Author:
Lori Radun is the author of The Momnificent! Life ~ Healthy and Balanced Living for Busy Moms and founder of Momnificent!, the home of Momnificent! University. For life coaching courses and loads of free articles for moms, please visit Momnificent!, the leading coaching website for moms.
