Help Your Child Succeed

Parents often ask what they can do at home to help their children be successful at school.  The following suggestions are offered as ways for parents to help.  Many are basic, common sense ideas, which many parents are doing already.  By following these guidelines, you and your child will have better feelings toward one another, and your child may well become more successful in school. Talk with and read to your child.

·       Discuss color, size, shape, visual matching, following directions, and name recognition.

·       Follow and discuss news events as covered on TV and also as reported in the newspaper.

·       Keep your child well and rested.

·       Pay attention to your child’s nutritional needs.

·       Ensure that your child gets sufficient sleep.

·       Help your child learn to cope with emotions.

·       Listen to your child, and learn to know him/her as a unique individual.

·       Encourage your child to talk about activities, feelings, and concerns.

·       Praise your child.  Let him/her know that you believe he/she can succeed.

·       Acknowledge effort as well as success-small and big efforts, small and big successes.

·       Discipline lovingly and consistently.

·       Show an interest in school.

·       Visit your child’s classroom.

·       Keep in contact with your child’s teacher.

·       Attend school activities.

·       Give your child responsibilities.

·       Accept your child as he/she is.

·       Help your child set realistic goals.

·       Don’t compare your child with other children.  All children develop differently.

·       Read books, go to the library, and play educational games.

·       Show selectivity in choosing TV programs.

You have a tremendous and far-reaching influence on your child.  You can make the difference.