A Child's Place

TIPS FOR PARENTS

WAYS BUSY PARENTS CAN HELP CHILDREN SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

Use the time you and your child travel to and from school to read books, go over spelling words, talk about the things you see outside, repeat addition/multiplication facts. Talk about what he/she will write in their journal that day, etc.

Set Priorities: Decide what’s most important to you and your child, should you cook a fancy dinner or spend your time reading a book with your child and have sandwiches for dinner.
Spend one-on-one time: Every week make an appointment with your child to spend some alone time. Make reservations and put the appointment in your appointment book to make sure to stick to it.
Remember the 80/20 rule: This rule means that 80 percent of the results come from just 20 percent of the effort. Use this rule to decide how to spend your time. Instead of just “doing this right” you will begin “doing the right things.”
Volunteer after hours: Type student’s papers so they can be “published” as books.

Exchange notes with your child: Leave love notes for your child around the house and in their book bag and lunch bag. If you work late leave notes for them before they go to bed.

SEVEN WAYS TO RAISE A HIGHLY RESPONSIBLE STUDENT

Help your child to set goals
Make a schedule to help them plan their time
Make your child study EVERY DAY
Help them learn how to take notes in class. Read over their notes with them each night.
Every night make sure they have all the tools they need packed in their bag for the next day.
When they make commitments make sure they keep their commitments.
Make sure they get ready ahead of time. Wake them up early each morning so they have enough time to get ready for school.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR PRE-SCHOOL CHILD’S BEHAVIOR

HITTING- SET A GOOD EXAMPLE! If you do not want your child to hit then do not hit them as a punishment when they hit others. State the rule and the reason for it, “No hitting, Hitting Hurts!” Immediately remove your child from the situation.
WHINING- Tell you child what you expect from them. Simply say” I don’t listen to whiny voices. If you ask me in a nice voice I will help you.” When they do ask in a nice voice listen carefully. Don’t say no unless you have a valid reason to do so, and if so explain why you have to say no.
THROWING TANTRUMS- Acknowledge your child’s feelings. “I know you’re upset, but…” and then explain why the child can’t do what they want to do. Also plan ahead, do visiting and run errands after your child has taken a nap and eaten breakfast/lunch.
ACTING DEFIANT- Refuse to argue, be consistent and clear about what you expect. Give your child a choice if you can. Make sure that each choice is one that you can live with.

TIPS ANY PARENTS CAN USE

Teach your child the importance of eating breakfast and make sure they have a healthy start to the day (even if you only have time for a glass of orange juice or a cereal bar)
Only say No if you have a specific reason why and explain to your child what that reason is, and “because I said so” is NOT a good enough reason!
Give your child choices as much as you can. Make sure the choices are ones that you can live with, this will help your child to become independent and good decision makers. It will also empower them so they feel like they have a say so in what they do.
Let your child be free and independent unless it is unsafe. If they want to do something that you don’t necessarily agree with let them learn and explore the consequences on their own.
Post a routine or schedule in your house and help your child follow the routine each day. This routine must include a standard bedtime and children should be forced to be in the bed even if they are not sleepy. Set aside family time and help your child to have structure at home.

These tips have been taken from various sources such as parent & child magazine