clipart that says for parents           

PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

When you, as a parent or guardian, work with and support your child, he or she is more likely to be successful in school.   Although you may have a limited amount of time to spend with your child, you can make a difference by listening and talking with your child, with your child’s teacher and with your child’s school.

BUSY PARENTS

Parents who are both working or are single working parents have a limited amount of time to spend
with their children. Yet, spending time with your child, no matter what age, is extremely important. Research suggests it is the quality of the time spent, not the quantity of time that is important.

TALK TO YOUR CHILD                       

Talking with your child encourages him or her to express ideas, improve vocabulary and develop thinking skills all of which are important for success in school.
Quality time can occur at any time or place. Driving in the car or riding in a bus, taking a walk in the park or a stroll through the neighborhood or going for an ice cream after dinner – all are good opportunities for talking together.

  LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD

Listening helps you find out how your child feels about school and if there are any problems. Listening lets your child know that you care about his or her ideas and feelings. To listen effectively:

Give total attention to your child and establish eye contact.

Let your child know you understand his or her feelings by accepting them, not judging them.

Give your child an opportunity to solve his or her own problems.

 When a problem arises, ask your child how he or she feels the problem could best be handled.Get as many ideas from your child as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to give your child a sense of control over his or her own life - an important part of developing self-confidence.

BE ALERT TO PROBLEMS

If a problem develops at school, your role as a parent or guardian becomes critical. If   your child’s problems involve academic skills, learning disabilities, social or behavioral issues, drug or alcohol abuse, or limited English skills, you need to find out about resources that will help your child.

Source: Helping Parents Help their Kids, published by the National School Public Relations 

Association. It Starts on the Frontline/March 1994.

             

   If Your Child Is Not Doing Well In School:

 

Most students who don’t do well in school feel like failures. They are frustrated, discouraged, and sometimes angry. The “I don’t care” attitude they display is often a defense mechanism. It’s important for these students to know that their parents have not given up on them. They also need to know that their parents are interested, supportive, and willing to take the time and effort to help them figure out how to be more successful in school.

Students who are not doing well in school usually have problems in one or more of the following areas:

       


Attendance: It is extremely important for students to be in school, on time, every day. Unless a child is truly ill, he/she needs to be in school.


Appropriateness of Courses: We cannot expect students to get good grades if they are in the wrong classes. If any of your son/daughter’s courses are too difficult, too easy, or not right for him/her, call the school counselor. You may also want to look into career (vocational) programs. Many students are happier and more successful in career and technology programs where the courses are more “hands on.”


Accountability: It’s human nature to be tempted to “slack off” when we’re not held accountable. How seriously would most workers take their job if they knew their boss would never know how many days they missed or how hard they worked? What if no one cared whether or not they did a good job?

Your child needs to know that someone cares and that someone is checking on how he/she is doing. Your child also needs to know that successes will be recognized and that poor performances will be noticed. See every progress report and report card, and if your child has a low grade in a class, contact the teacher. Your son or daughter also needs to know that you will be consistent in your interest.


Alcohol / Drug Abuse: Students who abuse alcohol and/or drugs re often distracted to the point where their school performance is affected. If you know or suspect that your child is drinking or using drugs, talk to him/her. If you need information or advice, talk to your doctor or to the school counselor. They can help you.

If you think there are other causes or your child not doing well in school, make an appointment to see your son or daughter’s counselor. Recognizing that there’s a problem is the first and most important, step in finding a solution.


Source: How To Get Good Grades In Ten Easy Steps by Linda O’Brien. Published by Woodburn Press, 1999.    


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