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by Gool Bugwadia

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Peak performance-times when children achieve their very best academically, is every parents dream. However, in today's fast-paced life wherein both parents are working, this dream is oft shattered. What then can parents do?

As a parent and a teacher, I am more than convinced that by following some simple steps we parents can make an enormous positive difference to what our children can derive out of school.

The winning edge comes from the combination of mental attitude, habits and strategy. With the right expertise and simplistic approach, parents have the power to raising successful children.

Let us examine some of the ways by which parents can ensure our youngsters success.

* Help teachers to know your child:

Teaming up with our child's teacher yields rich dividends. It is important that we parents build a good rapport with the teachers of our children. It yields terrific results when the child is aware that his teacher and parent are together working specifically for his progress.

Do not let your child be simply a name in the roll book. It's vital that parents get to know the teacher and visa versa. This bond helps the teacher to better understand and deal with the child in context of your family. This strategy will tremendously help the teacher not to give up on students who misbehave or are poor performers.

* Pay attention to your child:

This is of primary importance for all children whatever the age. It is unwise for parents to leave major work load to the school or the child. Most often the younger siblings are neglected and left on the older ones, especially those of working parents.

Parents, who do not spend much time with their kids, end up looking for quick solutions like tutoring to help in their child's school work. It is most certain that parents who do not allow their kids to watch a lot of T.V. will improve school performance of their children.

* Be Realistic:

As parents we must be well aware of our child's strengths and weaknesses. We need to view our child's performance realistically. Refusing to accept the reality of our child's poor performance, hinders the child's success.

It would be wise for us parents to keep in touch with our child's teacher from time to time and not solely when our child has performed poorly. To make excuses for lapse in our child's behavior or performance or to protest a punishment meted out, should be avoided. At such times, in our child's interest, we need to acknowledge that our child has not worked hard enough and seek the teacher's guidance to improve performance.

* Get to know other parents:

Inter-acting with other parents can reap many benefits. This helps us in being a better informed parent as we share information and clarify any doubts we may have regarding matters pertaining to school, class and our child.

Do bring to the attention of the teacher or principal any important matter, you think fit. Remember your voice will be better heard with support from other parents.

* Acknowledge good educators:

Teachers work hard each day with our children behind the scenes. They seldom get recognition or appreciation. A phone call or an occasional thank you note can have a great impact. This will be an added incentive for them to take special note of your child.

* Celebrate your child's successes:

Parents need to frequently acknowledge and celebrate all of their child's successes -be it in academics or extra-curricular activity. It could be that your child has won an award in Elocution or Drawing Competition. Do not overlook or underplay this special achievement but rather appreciate each and every success.

This helps children to gain feelings of self-worth and nurtures self-confidence.

* In conclusion:

Parenting is a rewarding experience when handled with the right attitude and in the right spirit. As parents we need to be there for our children throughout their development stage.

Soon our children will turn into adults and will leave us to fend for themselves. However, when our children are in their school years, it is vital for parents to be involved. The more we do so, the better will their chances be to be brighter, happier and confident adults, fully equipped to face the challenges of today's' fast paced world of adults.

Learn more about this author, Gool Bugwadia.

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