Beyond the ABC's - Thursday's Tip

Sometimes, succeeding at school isn’t about the child at all … it’s about the parents’ approach to it.  Here are a few tips to help your child do their best!

Expect THEIR best … not THE best

Know what your individual child is capable of – it might not be what their big sis or brother is capable of.  Study your child – learn their learning style, talk to their teachers, and understand child development for their age group.  Then expect THEIR best, if it’s an “A” – then expect an “A”, but if it’s a “C” – then expect a “C”.

Words DO Matter

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – yea right!  We’re hurt by words constantly … and so are our kids.  We’re also motivated by words – saying: “I love you” “You’re doing a great job” “Your grades are improving”, etc will help your child try harder and do better.  Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the frustration and forget the words that matter!

It’s about THEM

Keeping up with the Jones’ has gone from the bigger, better boat to the bigger, better kindergarten derby car.  Keep in mind that it’s YOUR CHILD’S work. Your child needs to do the work so that they can LEARN – that’s really what its all about.  Don’t step in and do the work for your child – instead, provide “scaffolding” (a support structure) – if needed. By supporting your child you teach them that you think they’re doing a good job.  When you do their work for them, you send the message that their work is never good enough.

Ultimately, CELEBRATE your child’s accomplishments … even when it means getting a “D” on the weekly spelling test instead of the “F” they’ve been receiving.