Another School Year

As the days of summer wind down and children begin to return to school, we must remember to continue to encourage them in their academic endeavors.

Here are a few tips that should help you through another school year:

1) Really listen to your children regarding what is going on in school, whether personal or academic. Lots of problems can be prevented if parents only listened to what is going on and take action immediately. With the cyber-age, our children are exposed to a lot of unsavory elements. It is our job to be open and pay close attention to what is going on in their lives.

2) Always act in the best interest of your child. If you think something is a little off or their behavior is off, Act. Don't wait until it is too late. Several teenagers have died from playing the "choking game" A game where they place something over their necks, walk forward until they pass out, then take the restraint off. In the last two cases in Illinois, it didn't work and they strangled themselves. This is a game prevalent in 10 to 14 year old preteens and teens.

3) This may sound corny, but read with your children. Most schools recommend that children are read to or read 30 minutes a day. This summer my husband and I completed the Percy Jackson books (5 books in total) with our daughter. We read every word aloud to each other. We started the books at the beginning of last school year. Now we are on to the Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles), which we started on a road trip to Omaha. We make time, because this is important to our daughter and she likes the family togetherness when we read. We actually make a list of books that would interest all three of us, then we rank and schedule them. This way, we all get to pick something appropriate and our daughter gets exposed to a lot of different genres, normally, classics, children series.

4) Be positive and encouraging. These days children are exposed to lots of negative images and stereotypes. Ensure that you expose your children to lots of interesting things: museums, movies, plays, literature, sports, etc. We live in a great city and lots of things are free or inexpensive. Encourage your children to explore and always be praising of their academics.

5) Show-up. Let your kids know you are there for them. Go to school plays, be there on the first day of school, sign up for a field trip. Call when they get home from school. Ask about their school day and be involved in their school work (don't do it), know about projects, deadlines, etc.

6) Say no to TV or reduce the amount of time your children spend during the week. Our daughter gets to spend a limited amount of time watching TV. She is allowed to tape her programs throughout the week and then watch them on the weekend. If her school work and chores are finished, she is able to watch 30 minutes a day. I prefer her to play her DSi than watching TV.

These things are just a few of the things I do to interact and bond with my daughter. They may not work for everyone, but I know that I only have a small amount of time for here to want to be with us and I want to make the most of that time.

Also, I want her to know that we are committed to being the best parents possible and that her future is important to us. We know she can be anything she desires.

Enjoy your children and enjoy the upcoming school year.

Peace and Love,

Sandals

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