A
collection of parenting information compiled by Mr. Tim Harrison
school counselor - Francis Scott Key:
Parenting Rules for Better Grades
The P.T.O., volunteering in the classroom, working at the book fair and
going on class fieldtrips are all activities that many parents participate
in as their children progress through elementary school. Sadly, this spirit
of volunteerism and involvement begin to diminish the day that student
walks into those middle school doors. Unfortunately by the time that student
is in high school the parental role has evolved into that of a taxi driver.
Students and teachers both need your participation in the educational process
of your child regardless of age or grade level.
Below are some tips or rules that teachers have suggested to help parents
become involved in the educational process. These rules have been taken
from “Cures
for Parental Wimp Syndrome: Lessons on Becoming a Strong Parent”, by Dr. Thomas
J. Zirpoli, Zirpoli Publishing & Consulting Inc. 2003.
Rule # 1: Communicate with your children’s teacher.
Let them
know you support them and care about how your child is doing in their class.
Attend parent /teacher conferences so you know what is being taught, what
your child is learning and how you may be able to help.
Rule # 2: Be polite and respectful to teachers.
You must model the type of behavior you want your child to exhibit.
Rule # 3: Support your children’s teachers.
Parents and teachers must work as a team. This assures that your child
knows both of you are on the same page when it comes to schoolwork
and discipline.
Rule # 4: Help your children organize.
Being organized is the first step to completing homework, studying
for a test, and being successful in the classroom. Help them get
and keep backpacks, binders
and other schoolwork neat and organized.
Rule # 5: Develop structure and routines.
Have a specific time and place for your child to complete homework and other
school related tasks.
Rule # 6: Do your homework.
Your homework is to check your child’s homework, and help when necessary.
Rule # 7: Encourage your children to read.
Turn Off the Television. Buy them books or take them to the library. Reading
is the most basic academic skill and most good readers are good students.
Rule # 8: Encourage your child to participate in noncompetitive, extracurricular
activities (music, dance and art)
Students who participate in these types of activities generally do well in
school and have fewer discipline problems.
Rule #9: Be on time.
This applies to dropping off and picking up your child and appointments with
teachers. If you can’t make a scheduled appointment, please call the school.
Rule #10: Teach your children that education is important.
The research is clear, there is a direct relationship between educational
level and future success.
Your children are never to old to get involved. They may not say it, but
they appreciate your interest and involvement in their lives. And it goes
without
saying that the school and your child’s teachers appreciate it as well.
This is Mr. Harrison talking about Parenting: The Toughest Job on Earth.
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