by Joanne Mansfield

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: June 13, 2008

As parents, we cannot protect our children all the time, especially at school. But what we can do is simplify their educational transitions, making change easier for them and less stressful for ourselves.

Get to know your child's teacher(s) Attend the annual Back to School Night at your child's school. You will learn the teacher's expectations of the students, classroom and homework policies, and school procedures as well. Ask questions while you are there such as the availability of homework help hot-line telephone numbers which many school systems offer free of charge, or tutoring either by peers or teaching staff. If you are not afforded ample time for questions, schedule an appointment with the teacher so you can sit down, one on-one.

Homework- Have a quiet, well-lit area set aside for your child's studies. Provide a snack and a brief break before your child begins their assignment(s) and use this opportunity to talk about what kind of day they had. Before beginning any homework, have your child show you their agenda/ planner even if they say they have no homework. Ask them questions about the assignment to make certain that they understand what is expected. Once the assignment is completed, read over it, point out any corrections that need to be made, and explain why Have your child make any necessary revisions and make sure your child follows through and places the assignment back into their school notebook.

Summer Activities- Learning takes place outside of the classroom all the time, so summer vacation should be an extension of learning. Museums and galleries are a wonderful way of spending quality time with your child. Some even provide special curriculum programs during the summer months for children. Utilize your public library. It's free and many offer special programs throughout the summer from reading circles with younger children to computer labs for older children. In small communities, there are churches and nonprofit organizations that hold summer camps, either day or sleep-over. Check out the availability of such programs and if finances are a problem, ask about scholarships.

Hone your communication skills- Communication is the key to a solid relationship. Learn to communicate with your child. Spend time sharing your knowledge, exchanging ideas, and most importantly listening. Effective listening skills can reply on non-verbal techniques: a nod of the head, a pat on the hand, or a slight variation in facial expression, etc. If you have to verbalize, affirm what they are saying by repeating a key word or phrase they've mentioned or by simply stating, "I understand." When you have a school-aged child, your communication is paramount for your child's success. It teaches a child that "Change can happen" when you have a voice.

Involvement- Parenting is not a passive responsibility to be watched from the sidelines. It takes true patience, determination, and a willingness to assure that your child is receiving the full benefits of a solid education. By getting involved in your child's schooling, you're letting them know you care. Join the PTA, an organization that has moved mountains in schools. If you cannot be an active participant, exchange your ideas/concerns with other members. You just might add another support group along the way, and as we all know, parents need all the support that we can get.

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