BY MARIA LUISA SALCINES
School preparation shouldn’t be only about buying your children clothes and school supplies. It’s also about preparing your children to take school seriously.
It’s easy to take our education system for granted. Most Americans don’t think about the privilege and opportunities public schools offer.
Our government is always trying to improve our education system. We have teachers and administrators who work hard for our children.
For your child to succeed in school, it takes a team effort. Working alongside your child’s teacher is one way your child will benefit during the school year.
The following are a few things parents can do to ensure a successful school year:
>> Be on time. Set appropriate bed times so that everyone gets enough sleep. A tired child can wake up grumpy and uncooperative. Wake your child up early so that you don’t feel rushed in the morning.
>> Don’t complain about school or classroom rules in front of your children. Model how rules need to be followed even when you don’t agree with them. Parents do a disservice to their children when they criticize dress codes etc. Rules have a purpose, following them is having respect for your school.
>> Attend school functions and volunteer as often as you can. This will help you get to know your child’s teacher and his or her classmates.
>> When your child is struggling with an issue immediately contact his or her teacher. The sooner you address an issue the sooner your child’s teacher can help. Always be courteous toward your child’s teacher when discussing a problem. Try not to be defensive. Listen to what the teacher has to say. Your child’s teacher may see things you don’t. If the issue cannot be resolved, make an appointment with the school principal.
>> Don’t let your children miss school unless it is an emergency or a once-in-a-lifetime event. When you allow your child to skip school because he or she is tired or didn’t finish their project on time, you are giving your child the message that rules are not important.
>> Give your child’s teacher a chance. Every teacher has a different teaching style and it’s good for your child to learn to adjust to different personalities. When there is an issue, discuss it with your child’s teacher first and try to work it out.
Ultimately, your goal should be to have a successful school year.
Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer and a certified parent educator with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior and Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOfFamily and/or on Instagram @mlsalcines. You can also contact her via her blog at FamilyLifeandFindingHappy.com.
