Helping Parents with their New Year's Resolutions

We are well into the New Year and maybe you have made your “New Year Resolutions”, but have you considered becoming a more involved parent in your child’s education? Here are a few tips you can use to encourage your participation in becoming more engaged in your child’s education and school activities. If you are already doing these suggestions, this can be one resolution that you can mark as “accomplished” and feel good about reaching your goals for the New Year. Thank you for your dedicated participation in your child’s education. You are laying the foundation for his/her future success in our global economy and society.

TIPS FOR INVOLVED PARENTS

1. Talk to your child about school activities and experiences.

2. Talk with teachers regularly – even when no problems exist.

3. Broaden your child’s understanding of the world by visiting malls, museums, parks, zoos, universities, sports stadiums, theaters, transportation facilities (air ports, train stations), farms, and local landmarks (historical sites, fire station, police station, courthouse).

4. Make learning relevant by encouraging activities that use what kids learn at school. Encourage kids to count money; make shopping lists; calculate costs, sales prices, and taxes; read menus and newspapers; and write letters.

5. Designate a specific time and place for homework.

6. Read to your child every day and encourage independent reading. Make frequent trips to the public library.

7. Set goals that are challenging but attainable.

8. Visit the school regularly and become involved in school activities as often as possible.

9. Become familiar with your child’s curriculum and its required skills and goals.

10. Be aware that your attitudes about school – and teachers – influence your child’s attitudes about school and teachers.

Challenge yourself to select at least three of these tips and work towards gaining total parental involvement in your child’s education. You will begin to see an increased improvement in your child’s academic progress, positive attitude about school life, regular attendance, and overall performance on a daily basis. So it’s worth your time and effort to become actively engaged in your child’s education. It is going to be a Happy New Year!