Back to School: What to Do and Not to Do
Whether this is the first year that you have a child in school, or you're a 12-year veteran there are always questions when it comes time for your progeny to go back to school. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the minutiae of school supplies, uniforms, clothes shopping and the virtual mountain of forms that need to be completed for each child. But it's important to remember that the time of "Back to School" is short-lived…but the school year is another matter. This year, as your children head back into the classrooms, here are some Do's and Don'ts that will help you make sure that this year will be an educational success!
Don'ts
- Do your children's homework for them.
- Go overboard with the school supplies.
- Automatically side with your children against the teacher before hearing both sides of the story.
- Avoid parent teacher conferences.
- Overwhelm your children with extra-curricular activities.
- Force your children into areas of study or careers that are not a fit for their talents, skills or desires. This is not the time to live vicariously through them.
- Encourage your child to stay up late during the school week
Do's
- Ask your children what their homework is each day. Help them check their work (but not correct it for them).If your child is having a hard time with their homework, you may need to invest in a tutor for them.
- Provide a place of study in the home, and if possible a home computer and research tools (i.e. dictionary, thesaurus, appropriate internet access, encyclopedia software).
- Make your presence known to your child’s teacher. Here’s a free tool to help you get your thoughts together before the next Parent Teacher Conference.
- Determine with your kids what a healthy amount of extracurricular activities are. Look at their homework load and go from there.
- Encourage your kids to enjoy the process of learning on their own.
- Remind your children why it's important to get the recommended amount of sleep.
Now that you know what to do and not to do, help your child Get Ready for School.
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