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School Days

With the beginning of school there is a mixture of sadness and excitement. Sadness because the summer is drawing to a close, with a relaxed schedule and more time spent with family and friends. Excitement because a new beginning is before us. Each school year marks a milestone in a child's life. It is important for the parents to show enthusiasm for what the school experience can be, in order to help the child develop a positive attitude about school, and therefore about learning. The following are some suggestions for ways to help make this the best year yet:

• Plan a celebration marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year.
• Help your child set goals for each grading period and ask how you can be of help. When report cards come, ask your child how he/she feels about the grades. Congratulate the child for meeting his/her goals or ask the child what he or she plans to do differently next grading period. Help the child set new goals. It is important to teach children to be self-motivating, rather than always seeking to please others or being motivated by tangible objects.
• Listen to your child. Make a time each day for your child to tell you about his/her day. Listen for feelings of excitement, disappointment, and fears. Help your child explore options.
• Help your child cope with occasional frustrations and disappointments at school. Learning to cope with all kinds of experiences is important to development and helps prepare for the stresses of life.
• If a concern arises, assure your child you will talk with the teacher and help the child work through the problem. Avoid criticizing the teacher or making negative comments related to the school.
• Let you child's teacher or school counselor know of any changes in the home or any event that may have an impact on the child. It is helpful for the teacher to be informed, so he or she can offer the support the child needs while at school.
• Be involved in your child's school in any way possible.

May all of your child's days at school be happy ones; filled with the excitement of learning and the joy of making new friends.

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