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.
In our family, education is important to us. We work hard to instill good success habits, and with these ideas, you and your children can enjoy a successful school year too.
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.
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.
Communication is Essential
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.
Focus on Your Child's 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.
Minimize Your Childs Stressors
There are so many things that can cause stress for children today. Whether its the pressure of difficult or excessive schoolwork, bullies at school, or intense competition in extracurricular activities, stress will affect the entire family. Pay attention to what might be causing stress for your child. Eliminate the stressor or teach your children effective stress management techniques. Learning how to plan better can help minimize some homework stress. Minimizing extracurricular activities keeps a family balanced. Teaching your children how to control their mind by thinking flexible thoughts, and keeping fears and anxieties under control can go a long way towards alleviating stress. Educate your child about the importance of healthy eating, exercise and proper sleep. But most important, take care of yourself so you can model peaceful family living.
Success in school is a building block to success later in life. Using these tips will help you and your child create and celebrate a successful school year.
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